Alexander Mutiso Munyao, the surprise victor of the 2024 London Marathon, has been chosen to represent Kenya in the marathon event at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Despite his relatively low profile in marathon circles, Munyao’s outstanding performance in London secured him a coveted spot on the Kenyan marathon team.
The 27-year-old stunned the athletics world with his triumph in London, where he crossed the finish line with a time of 2:04:01, outpacing Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele. Munyao’s victory, coupled with his previous impressive marathon time of 2:03:11 in Valencia in 2023, earned him recognition and a ticket to Paris.
Alongside Munyao, the Kenyan marathon team boasts renowned names such as double-Olympic-gold-medalist Eliud Kipchoge and the 2024 Tokyo marathon champion Benson Kipruto. The trio is expected to form a formidable force, aiming to bring glory to Kenya on the Olympic stage.
Speaking about his selection, Kipchoge expressed his determination to prepare thoroughly for the Olympics and approach the race with full commitment. “When we step onto the streets of Paris, it won’t be as individuals but as a formidable team united by our shared pursuit of greatness,” Kipchoge stated.
On the women’s side, the Kenyan marathon team is led by defending Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, who set a women’s-only world record of 2:16:16 in the London Marathon last month. Jepchirchir will be joined by Chicago and Boston marathon champion Helen Obiri and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei, forming a formidable trio capable of achieving success in Paris.
As the Kenyan marathon team gears up for the Olympics, their focus is on rigorous preparation and cohesive teamwork, aiming to showcase the prowess of Kenyan distance running and compete for top honors in the marathon event at the Paris 2024 Games.
