Kenya' s Obiri, Chemos on comeback trail and focus on Rio conquest

Two former World champions Helen Obiri and Milcah Chemos of Kenya have regained their fitness and are gradually taking up competitiveness to gauge themselves ahead of the Rio Olympics.

Chemos, former world 3,000m steeplechase champion, came back from a disk injury which forced her to sit out the entire 2015 season. She hoped she would be running at full throttle by the time the Olympics come in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August.

"I must say I was frustrated to see my colleagues enjoy running and winning, while I was sitting at home nursing my injury. But I am back and ready for the task ahead and I know it will not be easy to return and claim back the position I had before," said Chemos, Monday in Nairobi.

Another athlete also returning, not from injury but from maternity leave, is former World Indoor 3,000m champion Helen Obiri.

The 26-year-old didn't have a good pre-season, but is optimistic to catch up with the rest of the pack as the countdown to Rio Olympics gathers momentum.

Obiri, who won silver at the Moscow World Championships in the 1,500m race, face a difficult task to dethrone Faith Chepng' etich, who has established herself as the country favourite to win in the four lap race in Rio.

On the other hand, Chemos must shake off her rust and focus on beating the World Champion Hyvin Kiyeng and Virginia Nyambura.

Kiyeng started her season last week with a local race in Kisii, where she competed in the 1,500m race finishing third.

Africa Cross country silver medalist Sheilah Chepkirui won the women 1500m event in 4:17.54. Second Viola Kibiwott 4:18.65 and third steeple world champion Hyvin Kiyeng 4:19.35. Endit