Kasait and Kiyeng set to give stiff competition to national record holder

Gold medalist Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) of Kenya and silver medalist Hellen Obiri (KEN) of Kenya pose with their medals. REUTERS

In the absence of world and Olympic champion Vivian Cheruiyot, Kenya’s hopes in the long distance races rests with Olympic 5,000m silver medallist Hellen Obiri.

Obiri will be a hot favourite in 5,000m at the World Championships trials tomorrow, having warmed up for the meet with a resounding victory at the Rome Diamond League meeting where she set the new national record of 14:18.37. The record had been previously held by Cheruiyot for the past six years.

“Obiri has my blessings, she is in very good shape right now, I know she will make it to the Kenyan team and she won’t miss a podium finish in London. I’m really praying for her to do well.

“I can only urge other women to work hard to make it to the team,” Cheruiyot, who finished fourth in her marathon running debut in London Marathon earlier in the year, said.

“I share a lot with Vivian, she has really helped both in training and competition. I owe my Rio Olympics silver to her. She is my training partner, friend and at the same time we share the same management- Pace Sport Management.

“Vivian has left a huge gap, I wish her well in marathon running, but for now my target is to make the team and I’m sure there are good girls who we will work together as a team,” Obiri said. The 27-year old Obiri will be seeking the London ticket against World Cross Country bronze medallist Lilian Kasait, Margaret Chelimo, Nancy Nzisa, youngster Sheila Chelangat among others.

World 3000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng who holds a wildcard to the World Championships set for August has dropped from her specialty to compete in the 5,000m.

Meanwhile, the mother of all battles will be in the men’s 1,500m.

Four-time world champion Asbel Kiprop faces world silver medallist Elijah Manangoi, national champion Timothy Cheruiyot and Ronald Kwemoi.