Peres Jepchirchir has explained why she is feeling tension ahead of her marathon defense at the Paris 2024 Olympics while teammates Sharon Lokedi and Hellen Obiri stay confident.
Olympics women’s marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has admitted to feeling pressure ahead of Sunday’s race at the Paris Olympics.
The women’s marathon will be the final event at the Olympics and Jepchirchir will team up with Hellen Obiri and Sharon Lokedi for Team Kenya.
Jepchichir is praying for a medal sweep for team Kenya but agrees that this is a different race since she is under pressure not to disappoint fans back home.
14:08 - 29.07.2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: Peres Jepchirchir makes audacious verdict on Kenya's podium chances in the women's marathon
Peres Jepchirchir has rated Kenya's chances in the women's marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics as she prepares to represent the country alongside compatriots Sharon Lokedi and Hellen Obiri.
“Expectation is high from fans back home so it is not easy, I have a lot of tension,” said Jepchirchir.
“This is different because I am running for my country. Kenyans are depending on us so it not easy. A lot of tension, this is a tough and stressful one.
“We have a strong team. I am grateful and feeling good to run with my colleagues here and for sure, my prayer is that all three of us are on the podium.”
16:06 - 26.07.2024
Why Hellen Obiri is confident of dominating marathon at Paris 2024 Olympics
Hellen Obiri is confident of finally delivering gold in the Olympic marathon after falling short back during her track days.
Jepchirchir won the Olympics title in Tokyo three years ago and has mainated her status as an elite marathoner, coming into the Paris Games as the London Marathon champion, having set a new women-only world record.
Meanwhile, Lokedi is itching to get started after a late inclusion into the team as Brigid Kosgei’s replacement.
Lokedi was the reserve in the women’s team but got a ticket to Paris when Kosgei suffered an injury and after past failed attempts at getting into Team Kenya, she does not want to waste the opportunity.
12:37 - 15.07.2024
Sharon Lokedi responds to late inclusion into Kenya’s marathon team to Paris 2024 Olympics
Sharon Lokedi spoken for the first time after sealing her well-deserved Team Kenya marathon slot for the Paris Olympics.
“It is an opportunity like no other and I am going to use it as much as I can and just enjoy it, have fun. I want to represent my country and do well. I am really looking forward to this,” said Lokedi.
“It has not been easy, I have worked so hard and every time I am not there. I did try when I was running track and I never got in and I tried on the road and now the challenge is here, the highest level of running you can be at and it is just an honour to be here and to compete.
“We are all very excited and just want to get out there and compete. Work together and show our strength. There is nothing better than friendships and working together as a team.”
11:43 - 08.08.2024
Paris Olympics: Why Sifan Hassan is ‘scared & nervous’ over women's marathon
Sifan Hassan has revealed why she is feeling scared and nervous ahead of women's marathon showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The women’s marathon will start on Sunday morning at 9am East Africa time with the Kenyan team facing formidable opposition from Ethiopia, who have world record holder Tigst Assefa, Megertu Alemu and Amane Beriso.