Lilian Kasait has beaten the World Women’s 5000 Champion Hellen Obiri during the Kenyan trials for Tokyo Olympic Games at the Moi International Sports Center on Thursday.
With only three slots up for grabs in the 12 laps race, some 17 women entered to battle it out. Obiri and Kasait claimed the first two automatic places to the Tokyo Olympics. Obiri, the Olympic 5,000m silver medalist, came second in 14;52.19.
The two-time world champion Hellen Obiri leads a strong field that also consists of the world silver medalist Margaret Chelimo, world junior champion Beatrice Chebet as well as the national cross country champion Sheila Chelangat which is now taken over by Lilian Kasait.
Having bagged a silver medal in 2016, Obiri will be looking to upgrade to a gold medal, The only medal missing in her decorated career. Kasait has shown her joy claiming that it was a tough game but she is happy she made it through.
“I knew we had some of the best competing ij the distance. I wanted to make the team and am glad because this is the first time I’ll be competing in the Olympic Games,” said Kasait.
She added that she’s is now eyeing a podium place at the Games
Obiri on the other hand said she was happy with her second position at the trials and especially after having healed from an injury. She has promised to work hard the next few weeks to regain her strength.
World Bronze medalist, Agnes Chebet came in third in 14;53.91.
The 21- year-old Chebet is also a force to reckon with, the informed athlete having shocked her compatriots at the Doha Diamond league for a world lead in300m.
“For sure it will be tough. everybody wants a chance to represent Kenya. For me, I will be happy to seat at a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics irrespective of the position.” Said Chebet.
Meanwhile, Just a week after settling a new Kenyan record in155m, Faith Kipyegon will be in action in the Women’s 1500mqs she starts her journey towards her title defense.
Athletes will also battle it out in the men’s 800m and 5000msemis ahead of Saturday’s finals.
Other finals to be held on Thursday are High jump men,110 hurdles, hammer, and triple jump men and women.