Ngeny confident of Olympics slot

"I will run my own race with my focus on the Olympics slot.” These are the sentiments of Kaptagat-based Elias Ngeny who starred at the Athletics Kenya (AK) Olympics pre-trials on May 29, clocking 1:43.84 to set a world leading time in men's 800m.

The 24- year old is facing stiff competition from among others World 800m bronze medalist, Ferguson Rotich and the 2018 Commonwealth 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal. 

Ngeny has not been in action since competing at Nyayo where he set the leading time, hour after his training-mate Kinyamal had run his season best which was a world lead at second Wanda Diamond League meeting in Doha in a time of 1:43.91, finishing ahead of his more experienced countryman Rotich (1:44.45).

"After winning at Nyayo I embarked on endure training. I know every one of the competitors has come prepared for battle but I believe if I run my race without worrying about who else is on the track with me I'll make the team to Tokyo," said Ngeny. 

It is mandatory that the athletes must have taken the three stipulated tests by world Athletics by time the Tokyo Games happen. There were fears that at the time of clocking the world leading time, Ngeny had not undegone any tests.

"I have already done one test and I am not worried about that as I will have complied by the time the team travels to Tokyo," said Ngeny.

Another surprise package could be Golazo's Cornelius Tuwei who has is fresh from clocking a personal best time of 1:44.42 at the Paavo Nurmi Games as Rotich came home second in 1:44.59. 

Meanwhile, after faltering at the World Relays in Silesia, AK is hopeful the presence of foreign athletes will help the national relay team to qualify for the Summer Games.

Over 33 athletes from Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan will compete at the three-day event. 

"We have 22 athletes from Uganda, eight from Tanzania and three from South Sudan to enable the relay teams meet qualifying standards," director of competitions Paul Mutwii during a press Conference at Riadha house on Tuesday, 15 June. 

To qualify for Tokyo in the relays, World Athletics stipulates that the event must have at least three federations taking part.

"As you know, the first two athletes to cross the finish line will earn automatic slots in the team while the third athlete will be selected through merit. For athletes to be selected, they must have already attained the Olympic qualifying standards in their respective events," said Barnaba Korir.