Vivian Cheruiyot to double up in Rio after 5,000m triumph

Vivian Cheruiyot (right) leads Hellen Obiri in the women's 5,000m women final race at the Rio Olympics trials at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on July 1, 2016. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Cheruiyot, who won silver in 5,000m at the 2012 London Olympics, clocked 15 minutes and 01.60 seconds to triumph and line herself up for Olympics double.

World 10,000m Vivian Cheruiyot completed a double on Friday after winning the women's 5,000m race at the National Olympics Trials at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Eldoret.

Cheruiyot, who won silver in 5,000m at the 2012 London Olympics, clocked 15 minutes and 01.60 seconds to triumph and line herself up for Olympics double.

Cheruiyot, who won a double in 10,000m and 5,000m at the 2011 Daegu and the 10,000m title at the 2015 World Championships, edged out the 2013 World 1,500m bronze medallist Hellen Obiri to second place in 15:03.45 as 2013 World 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono finished third in 15:25.51 to seal the last Olympic qualifying slot.

"I competed last year at the Worlds in 10,000m only since I had just returned from maternity leave. I now have the speed for both two events," said Cheruiyot, who won bronze in 10,000m at the 2012 London Olympics.

"I know I must double my effort but I should perform well since both races are separated well for one to recover."

Obiri, who won the 2012 World Indoor 3,000m title before settling for silver in the 2014 edition, and Cherono, the Commonwealth 5,000 champion, are elated to make their maiden Olympics appearance.

"It feels great and I believe we can tame the Ethiopians in Rio," said Obiri.

"This is a dream come true. I prayed hard for this and I thank God," said Cherono, the 2008 and 2010 World Junior 3,000m champion.