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Kenya is facing significant challenges in their quest to win Olympic gold in the 10,000m, a feat last achieved in 1968.
On Friday night, Kenya will have their first chance to bag a medal in Athletics when three of its athletes step onto the purple track at the Stade de France.
The hopes of a nation will follow Daniel Mateiko, Nicholas Kipkorir, and Bernard Kibet as they attempt to end a 56-year Olympic gold drought in the men's 10,000 meters, a title last won by Naftali Temu in 1968.
Despite their ambitions, several hurdles could hinder their quest for gold.
1. Stiff competition from neighboring countries
The field for the men's 10,000m in Paris is formidable featuring athletes who have dominated recent major championships.
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Reigning Olympic champion Selemon Barega of Ethiopia and world record holder Joshua Cheptegei from Uganda are prime contenders.
Both athletes have consistently shown that they can perform at their peak under the intense pressure of the Olympics and World Championships.
Cheptegei, in particular, has won the last three World finals in a row, showcasing his speed and strategic race management.
2. Limited success in recent years
While Kenya is renowned for its middle and long-distance runners, their success in the 10,000m at major international events has been limited in recent years.
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The last Kenyan to win gold in this event at the World Championships was Charles Kamathi in 2001.
The more recent global stages have seen Kenyan athletes unable to break through the top ranks, often finishing outside the medal positions.
This historical context sets a precedent that may be tough to overcome, especially against more recently successful nations like Ethiopia and Uganda.
3. The pressure of a longstanding drought
The weight of a 56-year Olympic gold drought in the 10,000m can be a significant psychological burden.
The athletes are not just racing against their contemporaries but also against history.
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The desire to end this long wait for gold can create immense pressure, which might affect their performance.
Handling this pressure while maintaining the focus and composure needed to win at the Olympic level is a daunting challenge that could hinder their prospects.
4. Tactical vulnerabilities
The dynamics of long-distance racing have evolved, with a significant emphasis on the tactical execution of the race.
Kenyan athletes have traditionally excelled in pace-driven races but have sometimes struggled in tactical scenarios where races are decided in the final laps.
The likes of Barega and Cheptegei have demonstrated exceptional ability to shift gears dramatically in the final stages of a race, a skill that has been pivotal in their victories.
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Unless the Kenyan contenders have significantly improved their race tactics and finishing kicks, they may find themselves outmaneuvered in the crucial closing stages.
5. Training and preparation challenges
While the Kenyan team has trained intensively at high-altitude facilities, the transition to competition at lower altitudes can be challenging.
Adapting to the specific conditions of the track at Stade de France, coupled with the unpredictable Parisian weather, adds another layer of complexity to their preparation.
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Effective adaptation is crucial and any missteps in acclimatization or strategy during training could impair their performance when it counts.
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