The 2024 Paris Olympics has seen Kenyan athletes deliver a mix of remarkable and challenging performances across various track and field events at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris on Tuesday.

Faith Kipyegon Advances in 1500m Amidst a Busy Schedule

Double Olympic 1500 metres champion Faith Kipyegon continued to make headlines, advancing to the semifinals of her specialist event after finishing fourth in Heat Two with a time of 4:00.74. This achievement came just a day after she secured a silver medal in the women’s 5000 metres final.

Despite feeling fatigued, Kipyegon remains positive about her performance and is focused on the upcoming semifinals scheduled for Thursday, August 8.

Kipyegon’s compatriots, Susan Ejore and Nelly Chepchirchir, also advanced to the semifinals with impressive times of 3:59.01 and 4:02.67, respectively. Their strong performances contribute to a successful start for Team Kenya, following medal wins by Beatrice Chebet (gold in the women’s 5000 metres), Faith Kipyegon (silver in the women’s 5000 metres), and Mary Moraa (bronze in the women’s 800 metres).

Julius Yego’s Triumphant Return in Javelin

Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego made a remarkable comeback, advancing to the men’s javelin throw final with a season-best throw of 85.97 metres. This achievement is especially significant given Yego’s struggles in the previous Olympics in Tokyo, where he failed to qualify for the final.

Yego’s progression in the Pool A contest saw him improve with each throw, culminating in an impressive final attempt that secured his place in the final. His performance is a testament to his determination and skill, and he is now poised to compete for his second Olympic medal.

Faith Cherotich Claims Bronze in Women’s 3000m Steeplechase

In the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase, Faith Cherotich delivered a strong performance, securing a bronze medal with a personal best time of 8:55.15. The race was won by Kenyan-born Bahraini Winfried Mutile Yavi, who set a new Olympic record of 8:52.76. Ugandan Peruth Chemutai took the silver with a national record time of 8:53.34.

Despite a valiant effort, Beatrice Chepkoech, the world record holder, finished sixth, falling behind in the final laps. The result extends Kenya’s wait for a gold medal in this event, but Cherotich’s bronze adds to the country’s impressive medal tally.

Challenges in Men’s 1500m Final

The men’s 1500 metres final proved challenging for Kenyan athletes Timothy Cheruiyot and Brian Komen, who finished in 11th and 12th place, respectively. Cheruiyot, who was in contention for a podium finish, faded in the last 300 metres. The race was won by American Cole Hocker, who set a new Olympic record of 3:27.65. Josh Kerr of Great Britain and Yared Nuguse of the USA completed the podium, securing silver and bronze respectively.

Kenya’s gold medal drought in the men’s 1500 metres continues, with no victory in the event since Asbel Kiprop’s win in Beijing 2008.