Vivian at the double
1st July 2016 – World 10,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) has given herself the chance of adding the Olympic title to her resume as she booked her ticket for the Rio Olympics at arguably the toughest races on Earth, the Kenyan Olympic Trials.
Ran at the newly renovated Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, before a crowd of between 20,000 and 40,000, Vivian ran away from the field to cross the line in 31:36.37 and be the first athlete to make the team.
Not content with just qualifying for the 10,000m, Vivian returned the very next day to repeat the feat over 5000m. Again breaking clear in the latter stages she won in 15:01.60 and now has the chance to add to the silver and bronze medals she won in London 2012. This race was extra special for PACE as Vivian was followed across the line by Hellen Obiri (KEN) in 15:13.45 to also make the team for Rio.
In the middle distance races Nancy Chepkwemoi (KEN) showed that she is always a threat in Championship races as she finished second in 4:10.00 and only behind current world leader Faith Kipyegon. Nancy will be joined on the team by Winny Chebet who showed that she is ready to return to the international arena with a third place finish in the 800m in 2:00.16.
On the men’s side Vincent Kibet (KEN) faced a very tough task in the men’s 1500m and finished eighth. Bethwel Birgen (KEN) was unlucky to be tripped in the men’s 5000m when well placed.
Article Tags: Bethwel Birgen, Hellen Obiri, Nancy Chepkwemoi, Vincent Kibet, Vivian Cheruiyot, Winny Chebet