Kenyans Fighting For Last Olympic Marathon Slot
- By Duncan Larkin
- Published Dec. 8, 2011
- Updated Sep. 12, 2012 at 12:55 PM UTC
The depth of talent is unbelievable.
Both Emmanuel Mutai (left) and Geoffrey Mutai (right) are in contention for Kenya's third Olympic marathon slot. Photo: Getty Images
For the upcoming Olympic marathon in London next year, Kenya sits in a really nice position. Though, it can be argued that its athletes don’t necessarily feel that way. Competition to make the team is unbelievably tough.
How tough?
This tough: of all the 2011 marathon majors, Kenyan men have captured the top spot in every one.
With Berlin Marathon champion and world-record holder Patrick Makau and multiple World Marathon Champion Abel Kirui already selected for the team by Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman Isaiah Kiplagat, the big question is more importantly who will be the third athlete to be chosen?
The list of contenders for this third billet is incredible. At the top of the list is this year’s New York City Marathon champion, Geoffrey Mutai, and the London Marathon champ, Emmanuel Mutai.
“Several of us have run very fast times this year and are not even in the team,” said Emmanuel Mutai.
Also in the mix is Wilson Kipsang who’s 2:03:42 clocking at the Frankfurt Marathon made him the second-fastest official marathoner in the world.
For More: AFP
FILED UNDER: New York City Marathon / News TAGS: Abel Kirui / Emmanuel Mutai / Geoffrey Mutai / ING New York City Marathon / Kenyan Runners / Olympic Marathon / Wilson Kipsang / world championships in athletics
Duncan Larkin
Duncan Larkin is the news editor at Competitor.com and a freelance journalist who’s been covering the sport of running for over five years. He’s run 2:32 in the marathon and won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race in 2007. His first running book, RUN SIMPLE, was released last July.