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Fans have shared their opinion concerning the move by Athletics Kenya and NOC-K to select Brigid Kosgei in the main Olympic marathon team and name Sharon Lokedi as a reserve, with some believing Nike played a huge role in the selection of the team.
Fans have raised their eyebrows over the credibility of Athletics Kenya and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya selecting former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei over Sharon Lokedi.
NOC-K on Wednesday, March 1, announced the Olympic marathon squad, and fans’ mouths were left agape after Lokedi, who finished second behind two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri at the Boston Marathon, was selected as a reserve with Kosgei being included in the team.
Kosgei’s recent form has been questioned following her fifth-place finish at the just concluded London Marathon where Peres Jepchirchir broke the women-only marathon world record. Meanwhile, Lokedi showcased her prowess in marathon running when she fought to the end of the Boston Marathon and settled for second place.
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13:10 - 01.05.2024
Eliud Kipchoge & Peres Jepchirchir to defend Olympics titles as Kenya unveils formidable final marathon team
Defending champions Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchichir have been named in Kenya’s final Olympic marathon team with Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto among those selected.
Some fans have speculated that Nike had an influence in the selection of Kosgei since she is sponsored by the brand with others claiming that Lokedi should have been selected following her recent form.
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya Instagram handle for more news.
In an article, American Chris Chavez shared his frustration: “My prediction for the Kenyan Olympic team on the men's side was right. However, on the women's side, Athletics Kenya selected Brigid Kosgei over Sharon Lokedi and that's where I think they made a mistake.
“Much like the Athletics Kenya blunder in 2016 when they didn’t select Mary Keitany and she went on to dominate at the NYC Marathon that fall (winning by nearly four minutes), I hope Lokedi goes on to crush in her fall marathon of choice.”
Kenyan-born American long-distance runner Aliphine Tuliamuk also shared her frustration: “@shazrinee would’ve been a better choice than the reserve.” Michelle Katami replied to her comment by saying: “Yes, but I think she’s caught up in the kit branding balancing act.”
Tuliamuk added another comment: “More likely management+ branding those big management camps in Kenya have the say unfortunately, would have been really nice to see her upset some big names at the Olympics in a tough championship style race.”
Another athletics fan commented on the news saying: “I am a Kenyan athletics fan, and agree that @shazrinee has shown better form and should have been named into the team. Her recent marathons are in hilly courses similar to Paris, so tried and tested.”
James Wokabi also expressed his frustration on X saying: “Brigid Kosgei's Results: 2023 London DNF, NY-4th, 2024 5th-London. How has Brigid made the team ahead of Sharon Lokedi and Joyciline Jepkosgei? What did the selectors look at? Sharon and Joyciline were definitely ahead of her in all parameters.”
Ayumba Ayodi could also not hide his frustration, commenting on the news saying: “Strong team though would have preferred Lokedi to Brigid. Guess a battle for kitting brands. Imagine no Nike athlete making the final team.”
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