Ereng forsee’s Kenya’s stellar performance at Tokyo Olympic Games
Former Olympic 800m gold medalist Paul Ereng is predicting a good show for Kenya at the Tokyo Games.
Ereng says the fact that there is no favourite in the men’s 800m could be a good thing for Kenya.
“We are going to the first Olympics with the dominance of David Rudisha in our minds. So it will be anybody’s race to win,” said Ereng.
The US based coach is currently in Nairobi attending the National Trials for the Tokyo Olympic Games at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Ereng is closely watching his athletes Emmanuel Korir and Michael Saruni who will compete during the finals set for Saturday.
Korir won the first semi final in 1:45.46 b before Saruni easily won the second semi in 1:44.96.
“I have worked with the two athletes for a while. I know they have matured well and are therefore ready for major things,” Ereng said in Friday.
“They did not struggle during the semis as expected. I think they will make the team after the finals,” said Ereng.
Also reaching the final is World 800m bronze medalist Ferguson who finished behind Korir in 1:45.78.
Rotich settled for bronze at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Korir, for the second consecutive time, failed to reach the final despite being one of the favourites to win.
“I will once again take a shot at the two races at the Olympics now that no one has qualified in 400m apart from me,” said Korir, who expects a stiff battle on Saturday. “We have a strong field but I hope to prevail.”
Saruni says he is in good spirit ahead of the finals.
“I am more than ready and looking forward to a great final,” said Saruni.
“ I am already plotting a strategy that will deliver victory. I want to keep focus since Kenya trials are the hardest,” he said.
