ATHLETICS Kenyan trio face uphill battle in 10,000m thriller at Budapest World Championships

Facing Ethiopian and Ugandan dominance; Kenyan runners look to upset the balance and make their mark.

In recent years, Kenya's dominance in the men's 10,000m has wavered on the global stage, with underwhelming performances tarnishing their reputation. 

However, a trio of determined Kenyan athletes – Nicholas Kimeli, Daniel Simiu, and Bernard Kibet – are poised to rewrite the narrative at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest in August 2023. 

Armed with talent and ambition, these runners are eager to overcome the odds and reclaim Kenya's rightful place atop the podium.

Nicholas Kimeli, the flagbearer of Kenya's resurgence, has showcased his potential with a remarkable Personal Best time of 26:58.97 achieved in 2020.

 Kimeli's steady progression and evident dedication make him a strong contender to upset the established order. 

With the grit to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, Kimeli's performance in Budapest could serve as a turning point for Kenyan athletics.

However, the Kenyan trio faces an imposing challenge in the form of Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei, a force to be reckoned with. 

Cheptegei, seeking his third consecutive world 10,000m title, has consistently demonstrated his prowess on both track and cross country terrains.

Despite battling injuries post the 2022 World Championships, Cheptegei's triumphant return at the World Cross Country Championships marked his resurgence. 

The Ugandan dynamo's rivalry with Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi promises a spectacle, as their clashes are marked by fierce competitiveness and electrifying performances.

Aregawi, the current world leader with a blazing time of 26:50.66 at Ethiopia's World Championships Trials, has positioned himself as a major contender. 

Having previously finished seventh in the world 10,000m final, Aregawi's evolution as a runner is undeniable. His dual-threat – excelling both in the 10,000m and 5000m distances – adds another layer of unpredictability to the competition. 

Aregawi's 26:33 performance in the 10km event and a noteworthy 5000m PB of 12:40.45 cement his status as a genuine medal threat.

While the head-to-head battle between Aregawi and Olympic champion Selemon Barega takes center stage, the latter's credentials cannot be overlooked. 

Barega, with a notable silver medal from the 2019 World Championships and a world indoor 3000m title, carries a rich legacy. 

Despite a mixed performance record this season, Barega's 4-1 lead in direct 10,000m clashes against Aregawi underscores his competitive edge. 

In Ethiopia's arsenal, the emergence of the young and promising Yismaw Dilu adds an intriguing dimension. 

At just 17 years old, Dilu's remarkable time of 27:08.85 in the national trial race showcases his prodigious talent. Dilu's ascent, propelled by his second-fastest time ever by an Under 18 athlete, serves as a testament to Ethiopia's continuous pool of prodigies.

Regrettably, the absence of world half marathon record-holder Jacob Kiplimo due to a hamstring injury casts a shadow of disappointment. 

Kiplimo, who succeeded Cheptegei as the world cross country champion, would have undoubtedly added another layer of competitiveness to the event. 

His withdrawal creates an unforeseen shift in the dynamics, allowing other athletes to capitalise on the opportunity.

Outside the East African rivalry, US champion Woody Kincaid emerges as a contender, boasting a notable PB of 27:06.37. 

Kincaid's impressive victory in California marks him as a dark horse capable of disrupting the favored contenders' trajectory.

Meanwhile, Canada's Mohammed Ahmed, a consistent top-eight performer in previous world 5000m and 10,000m finals, seeks to channel his experience into a game-changing performance.

Italy's Yemaneberhan Crippa, the European champion, carries the pride of his nation as he returns to the World Championships stage following his eighth-place finish in Doha. 

As the World Athletics Championships loom large, the 10,000m race promises a blend of intensity, aspiration, and gripping rivalries. 

The Kenyan trio, led by Kimeli, aims to rekindle the country's legacy and upstage the reigning champions.

With Cheptegei and Aregawi defending their titles and emerging challengers ready to seize the moment, the 10,000m race is poised to be a thrilling spectacle that showcases the unwavering spirit of competition on the global stage.