Who will take the baton from 5,000m runner Obiri?
There is no doubt that Hellen Obiri is the top female 5,000m runner in Kenya.
Obiri, who won the world title in Doha last year, inherited the mantle from Vivian Cheruiyot who is currently competing in marathons.
During her time, Cheruiyot bestrode both the 5,000m and 10,000m distances like a colossus.
Just like Cheruiyot, Obiri has indicated she may move from track to road racing.
The star says she is considering venturing into road running next year after the Tokyo Olympics.
The million-dollar question comes up: When Obiri quits track, who will take up the mantle?
Track coaches have offered different opinions on who is likely to become the next big name in the local track scene when Obiri exits.
Francis Kamau of Esim Running Club said Kenya is likely to experience a vacuum in women’s 5,000m since nobody appears to be understudying Obiri at the moment.
But Solomon Wachira of Chima Club believes there are many runners who can fit in Obiri’s shoes.
“Runners like Margaret Kipkemboi who won silver (14:27.49) behind Obiri are among the athletes who can easily take over if the champion decides to quit track,” Wachira said.
Other runners Wachira thinks can inherit 5,000m dominance from Obiri are 2015 world cross champion Agnes Tirop, Lilian Kasait who was fourth in the World Championships in Doha and 10,000m Under-20 bronze medalist Agnes Jebet.
Wachira says there is a legion of Kenyan runners based in Japan who are very good 5,000m runners and can take over from Obiri.
They are Cynthia Mbaire, Hellen Ekalale, Esther Wambui Tabby Njeri and Margaret Ekidor.
