Asbel Kiprop, Faith Chepng'etich to fly Kenyan flag in Rio

What you need to know:

  • Kiprop will also be hoping to atone for his poor finish at the 2012 London Olympics.
  • Chepng'etich, who is also the Commonwealth 1,500m champion, dominated to romp home in 4:06.71 and make her second Olympics after London 2012.
  • It's Dibaba who edged out Chepng'etich to the World title in Beijing last year.

Three-time World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop and World 1,500m silver medallist Faith Chepng'etich will spearhead Kenya's assault in the men and women’s 1,500m races at the Rio Olympic Games.

Kiprop, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist, clocked 3 minutes and 38.21 seconds to win his race during the National trials at Kipchoge Keino Stadium on Friday.

It was a replica of the World Championships, as Elijah Manangoi came in second in 3:38.48 to get the second automatic qualifying place. Former World Junior 1,500m champion Ronald Kwemoi settled third in 3:38.80 but will have to wait to see if he’ll get the third qualifying slot when the team is named.

Kiprop moved to the front at the bell, with Manangoi and Kwemoi on his shoulders all the way to the finish.

"I shall do my best and that is winning gold in Rio. I want to win it clear and clean now," said Kiprop, who was awarded the 2008 gold three years later after the initial winner was stripped of the title for doping.

"We shall form a superb partnership with Manangoi and Kwemoi. These youngsters are amazing and I am sure if even I am to stop now they will represent Kenya well," said Kiprop.

CHEPNG'ETICH TOO HOT

Kiprop will also be hoping to atone for his poor finish at the 2012 London Olympics. Chepng'etich, who is also the Commonwealth 1,500m champion, dominated to romp home in 4:06.71 and make her second Olympics after London 2012.

Nancy Chepkwemoi clocked 4:10.00 to claim the second automatic place in the team with Viola Jeptoo coming home third in 4:11.93.

"Bring on Dibaba," declared Chepng'e tich in reference to Ethiopian World 1,500m champion Genzebe Dibaba.

It's Dibaba who edged out Chepng'etich to the World title in Beijing last year.

"We just need to prepare well since besides the Ethiopians the race can turn out to be anybody's with a strong challenge from Britain too," warned Chepng'etich.

Despite finishing second and sixth in the trials, national record-holder Carvin Nkanata (20.90) and national champion Mike Mokamba (21.94) will represent Kenya in the 200m.

The race was won by Peter Mwai in 20.86 but fell short of the qualifying mark. Mokamba and Nkanata had attained the qualifying mark during the National Trials for the World Championships last year.