Fireworks expected in Lausanne Diamond League meet

WU20: Kenyan youngsters face career progression dilemma

Reigning 800m Olympic champion Emmanuel Korir will be looking to extend his good form this season when he lines up for the 800m Diamond League in the Lausanne, Switzerland meet on Thursday. Korir made himself a name after sprinting to victory in the recently concluded Olympics and will face familiar foes in the race scheduled to kick off at 19:15 hrs.

Korir will come up against compatriot Ferguson Rotich whom he beat to the gold in Tokyo and Kenya Defence Forces runner Cornelius Tuwei. Rotich who doubles up as the World bronze medalist settled for bronze in Tokyo.

The three Kenyans will face the 2019 World silver medalist Tuka Amel of Bosnia, reigning Olympics bronze medalist Patryk Dobek of Poland, revered Canadian Marco Arop, two-time Olympian Peter Bol of Australia among others.

While Kenya will have three in the men’s category, the little known Nalyana Eglay will be alone ranger in the women’s category. Nalyana has a personal best of 2:00.8 in the two-lap race with Baker Ellie boasting of the best time in the lineup. The British has a best time of 1:59.54. The race will start at 18:42 Hours.

Similarly, Africa champion Winny Chebet will be the only Kenyan in the 1500m race. Ethiopian duo of Gebreezineher Freweyni and Hirut Meshesha have impressive times in the race which is set to start at 19:30 hours.

All eyes will be on the men’s 3000m race which starts at 19:50 Hours. where a star-studded field will be contesting for a podium finish.

Reigning Olympic 10000m champion Selemon Barega, World 5000m champion Edris Muktar,1500m Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen alongside his brother Filip will all be in the race.

Fast-rising Nicholas Kimeli who finished fourth in Tokyo in the 5000m race will lead his compatriots in upsetting the highly ranked opponents in the race. He will enjoy the company of Jacob Krop, Bethwel Birgen and Abel Kipsang who made history in Tokyo after breaking the 21-year old 1500m record in the semi-finals of the race.

Olympic 5000m bronze medalist Paul Chelimo of the United States of America and silver medalist Ahmed Mohammed of Canada will also will also be in the mix.