Boston Marathon champion left off Kenyan Olympic team selection

On Monday, Athletics Kenya unveiled a shortlist of 10 male and female athletes who may represent the country in the marathon at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The provisional selection list features prominent names such as two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and New York City Marathon champion Hellen Obiri. Notably absent from the list is Evans Chebet, the back-to-back Boston Marathon champion in 2022 and 2023.

Chebet, recognized as one of the best tactical marathoners in the world, has won his last three marathons. He recorded consecutive wins at the Boston Marathon and won the New York City Marathon in 2022. He was slated to defend his NYC title this year, but was forced to withdraw in the weeks leading up to the race, due to injury.

While Chebet’s exclusion from the Kenyan team may be surprising, given his proven track record on hilly and tactical courses, it’s worth noting that the 2024 Olympic marathon course in Paris is well-suited for Chebet’s strengths. This course has an elevation gain of more than 400 metres across 42.2 kilometres and is touted to be the hilliest Olympic marathon to date.

Team Kenya has held a firm grip on the marathon at the Olympics, winning both men’s and women’s titles in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

Kenyan news outlet The Nation reports that Athletics Kenya considered world rankings and performances at this year’s World Marathon Majors to form the list of athletes.

The Kenyan provisional men’s squad comprises world record holder Kiptum, two-time Olympic champion Kipchoge, Vincent Kipkemoi, Timothy Kiplagat, 2021 Boston champion Benson Kipruto, Bernard Kiprop Koech, former NYC champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto and Titus Kipruto.

The Kenyan provisional women’s squad is loaded with talent, featuring 2019 world champion Ruth Chepngetich, Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru, Joyciline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Seley Chepyego, world championship medallist Judith Jeptum Korir, Boston and New York City Marathon champion Obiri, 2022 NYC champion Sharon Lokedi and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei.

Both men’s and women’s provisional teams will be narrowed down to five (three to compete and two reserves) by the end of January.