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Kenya to name marathon Olympics team next week

Xinhua, May 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

Distance running powerhouse Kenya will unveil its much-awaited marathon squad for the Olympics mid next week, the country' s federation announced.

Athletics Kenya (AK) were expected to have named the team of six - three men and three women - for the August Rio Summer Games at a press briefing in Nairobi on Friday but the function was cancelled at the 11th hour.

Speaking on Friday night after a series of consultative meetings, AK President, Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei told journalist that the announcement had been deferred as the federation appointed a team of 10 coaches to vet the team selected before making it final.

"There is no harm in seeking for the expert opinion and advice and hence, we invited them to assist us in technicalities of the selection of the team we had picked," Tuwei said.

"We did not want to make our own selection and be accused of having made misinformed decisions. We are likely to name the team by mid next week," the former Army Chief at Kenya Defence Forces added.

Speculation mounted after the federation failed to name the team at the end of this week. AK had promised to declare the team soon after the culmination of the international spring marathon season at the end of April.

Eliud Kipchoge, who held on to his London title by blasting to the second fastest marathon of all time in a staggering 2:03:05 victory, is a firm favourite in the men' s squad.

Stanley Biwott, the New York champion, and Paris winner, Cyprian Kotut, and three-time London champion, Martin Lel are other favourites for the coveted Kenyan ticket. Endit