It will be interesting to watch Lagat, who has not run anywhere this season. On Tuesday, she said she had taken a short break from running and declined to be drawn into her expectations for the race.
“This year, I have decided to take a little break and even now I cannot confirm whether I will take part in the trials,” she said.
She, however, conceded that the field for the trials is very strong and whoever is picked is a medal prospect.
“I admit that the field is strong and competitive, making the trials interesting and exciting,” she added.
Other top athletes who will line up here are Hellen Obiri, Mercy Cherono, Viola Kibiwott and Eunice Sum.
Meanwhile, Olympic 800m silver medallist Janeth Jepkosgei will not be doubling up in both 1,500m and in her speciality. Jepkosgei, said she is just focused on winning a berth in the Kenya team in the two-lap race.
“I want to focus on just one race and that is 800m. May be in Moscow 2013, I will be doubling up, but that is not something to speak about now.
“The focus is on winning a berth to the Olympics. I have got some problems in my training, which I have discussed with Athletics Kenya and they know my position. So on Saturday, it will be just about winning in my race and getting that ticket to London Games,” she said.
Jepkosgei, who is also the Africa silver medallist, said her six years performance at the high level has seen her give everything and she has medals to prove that.
“Therefore for me, the performance in London is not important as was in Beijing. I want a podium finish and may be get gold, but I owe nobody anything. I will run my race and hope to do well,” she said.
But Jepkosgei is also surprised by her form this season. Ordinarily, she would be struggling to run a sub 1:58 time in the build-up to the big event. But she has easily done that on two accessions at Doha Diamond League at start of May and in Hengelo, where she posted a season best time of 1:57.79.
“It is giving me inspiration that I am on my way up there with the best in the world. So all I want is to keep my focus and see how far it will take me,” she said.
Crazy Monday
Home & Away
Eve Woman
Generation Next
Sunday Magazine
