Usual suspects Kiyeng, Chepkoech bag Tokyo steeplechase tickets in style

Former World 3000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng, in an epic battle against the world record holder over the distance Beatrice Chepkoech, won the water and hurdles race at the Olympic trials on June 18 at Kasarani to book one of two automatic slots to the Summer Games.

Kiyeng assumed the lead at the bell and held on to clock 9:24.5, beating Chepkoech who came home in 9:25.0 as the duo sealed the two automatic tickets in team Kenya. 2014 Commonwealth Games champion Purity Kirui was third in 9:25.6 and her chance at making it to Tokyo is entirely left to the panel of selectors that will decide on the third participant in Tokyo. 

"All I had focused on today was getting the ticket and this is a great achievement. In Rio, I managed silver and now I intend to upgrade. The trail race was good and my body feels great. However, I will be working on my speed ahead of the Games as the competition on that stage demands for one to be in good shape," said Kiyeng. 

Chepkoech who says she has been unwell in the run up to the trials and had set her target at finishing in the top three believes she has a chance to fight for that missing Olympics gold. 

"My body feels better but I am not yet at my best. I got a stitch in the final 800m and that slowed me down. With the ticket come pressure as expections are high being the world record holder. I am also looking to complete my medal cabinet which is missing an Olympic gold. In 2016 I was just making my debut in the event at the Olympics but now I have gained experience over the last five years and I believe I can battle for that gold. I will not be focusing on the record or time, it will be all about winning," said Chepkoech.