Jepchirchir confident of retaining her Olympic marathon t*tle
New women world marathon record holder Peres Jepchirchir has turned her focus to the 2024 Olympic Games set for Paris, France in August and she is optimistic of making two gold-medals in a row.
The Kapsabet-based runner, who struck gold at the last Summer Games in Tokyo, said she knows that it would not be a walk in the park, but they entire Kenyan team was strong and look destined for success.
“It will not be easy at the Olympic Games, but we are going as a team which is a morale boost, and we have a strong team, my prayer and hope is for God to give us good health and strength,” said Jepchirchir who is also a former world half marathon record holder.
She said that she is not going to celebrate her victory in London but rather to focus on the task ahead of representing team Kenya.
“I’m not going to prolong celebrations for my London achievements but focus on the big task ahead of us in August,” said Jepchirchir.
It will be her second time in Olympics, in Tokyo she clocked 2:27:20 to win gold, she is also a two-time world half-marathon champion.
In 2017 Jepchirchir set the world record in half marathon 65.06minutes at Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) course.
In the 2019 Saitama marathon, she broke her own record to 2.23.50 being her third marathon to compete.
Jepchirchir said her aim at the Olympic games is to get a medal though it will not be easy. “ I thank God for being in the team Kenya, I look forward to doing my best.” Said former New York City marathon champion.
She will be joined by Two-time Boston marathon champion Hellen Obiri and Two-time London and Chicago marathon champion Brigid Kosgei as 2022 New York city marathon champion Sharon Lokedi will be a reserve.
During the London Marathon, she clocked 2:16:16 to break the women-only World Marathon record.
