Kenya's Elias Ng’eno thrills crowd with good show in trials

Elias Ng’eno, an athlete based at Global Sports Communication camp in Kaptagat, thrilled the small crowd in Nyayo Stadium yesterday as he produced a good show at the Athletics Kenya pre-Olympic trials.

Ng’eno ran a brilliant 1:43.84 in men’s 800m contest to qualify for Tokyo Olympic Games. Hillary Biwot (1:44.80), Noah Kibet (1:45.11) and Edwin Melly (1:45.51) followed. 

“I feel happy after making the qualifying time for the Olympic Games (1:44.80). It has not been easy but I want to thank my coaches at Global Sports Communication. I will get back to training and hopefully make the Olympic team,” said Ng’eno.

Vincent Keter (3:38.66) won men’s 1500m race ahead of Kamati Etieng (3:39.61) and 2011 world 1500m silver medalist Silas Kiplagat (3:40.00). 

“First time to win in the senior category. My hope to represent the country at the Olympics and the World Under 20. I have been training alongside Timothy Cheruiyot (world 1500m champion) and he has been an inspiration. All I need to do is improve on my endurance,” Vincent Keter, who has an Olympic qualification time of 3:34.59.

AS expected, Michael Kibet won men’s 5000m in 13:21.39 ahead of Emmanuel Kiprop (13:22.81) and Victor Kiprop (13:26.27)

“I am happy for the win. My focus is to train for the Olympic trials. It is a good improvement from what I ran on Thursday when I clocked 13:34 but today I managed 13:21.