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Former Olympic champion Wilfred Bungei has named the youngster who can reclaim Kenya's lost glory in steeplechase.
Former Olympic 800m champion Wilfred Bungei believes youngster Simon Koech has the ability to revolutionise the steeplechase as he heads to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Kenya last won the Olympic title at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, thanks to Conseslus Kipruto, and Bungei believes Koech can bring back that title. Moroccan star Soufiane El Bakkali won the title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, with Benjamin Kigen, finishing third in the race.
Koech has been off to a great start to his season, finishing second at the African Games national trials before securing a bronze medal at the continental showpiece that was held in Accra, Ghana.
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05:32 - 17.06.2024
Why Wilfred Bungei declined a Ksh 77 million deal with Adidas & opted for retirement
Former world indoor champion Wilfred Bungei has revealed why he snubbed the millions Adidas were offering him after his victory at the 2008 Olympic Games and chose to retire instead.
The 21-year-old then finished second at the Kenyan Olympic trials and he will enjoy the company of Amos Serem and Abraham Kibiwott.
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“I think for me, I’ve got two athletes who are upcoming…Simon Koech who runs the steeplechase, I would say, ‘Young man, you have a bright future, if you can focus even during this Olympics, it will be yours," the former world indoor champion said in an interview on the Safari za Mabingwa show hosted by comedian Obinna.
“We have lost medals in steeplechase but you have a big chance."
He added that Selfa Ajiambo also has the potential to redefine women’s sprinting as she is coming up steadily after making her international debut at the Africa Under-18 Championships last year, competing in the 100m but did not reach the final.
Bungei explained that Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has already set the pace and she should just follow in his footsteps.
“Selfa Ajiambo, the sensational 100m athlete. You have the future and Ferdinand Omanyala has shown the way for you and I believe that you will bring sprints for women to be a focus in this country," he added.
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06:00 - 18.06.2024
Meet the little-known athletes set to fly Kenya’s flag at Paris 2024 Olympics
Athletics Kenya unveiled the country’s team to the Paris Olympics and the lineup includes some new names who will be hoping to make a big impact in the French capital.
“The whole of Team Kenya, both in the Olympics and Paralympics, you have my support and the country is waiting for you to bring glory to them."
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