Athletics-Olympic champions Rudisha and Kemboi sail through Kenya trials

Kenya’s olympic champions David Rudisha, Brimin Kipruto and Ekekiel kemboi have sailed to the finals of their races as the East African country’s Olympic trials kicked off on Thursday.

The 2012 London Olympic champion and four-time world champion, Kemboi booked a place in the 3,000m steeplechase final by finishing third in the first semi-final.

However,Thomas Longosiwa, who won bronze in the 2012 London Olympics missed out on one of the three slots for selection to the Rio Games which begin on August 5.

The 800m world and Olympic champion and world record holder, Rudisha won his semi-final ahead of Jackson Kivuva and Jonathan Kitilit.

5000m commonwealth games champion and last year’s world silver medalist,Caleb Ndiku Mwangangi won his race and booked a ticket for the Rio games.

“I’m not going to promise that I’m going to beat them but they can expect a lot of challenge from me. But I know that timing is everything, I’m very fresh because I have not done anything since the season began,” he said.

Vivian Cheruiyot also known as “Pocket Rocket” who won bronze in 10,000m in London and Silver in the 5,000m four years ago will go for the 5,000m on Friday.

“It was really amazing because it is my first time to run under 32 (minutes) on Kenyan soil so I’m so happy” she” added.

https://t.co/FYlVO1MQ2S https://t.co/FYlVO1MQ2S Olympic champions Rudisha and Kemboi sail through Kenya trials https://t.co/XDZmC8fuWd

— sushil punia (@sushilpunia) June 30, 2016

The trials attracted one of the biggest crowds ever seen in Kenyan athletics history, including legendary names who pioneered Kenya’s middle and long distance running excellence

Reuters