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Michael Kibet and Emmanuel Kiprop won the first and second semi finals of the men’s 5,000m as a three-day Olympics pre-trials kicked off yesterday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Kibet, fresh from finishing third during the opening leg of the Diamond League in Gateshead, in England last Sunday, says he is moving closer to his dream of representing the country at the Olympics.

In his semi final, Kibet who trains in Kaptagat under the Global management, clocked 13:34.84 ahead of Moses Njoroge 13:36.11 with Mark Lomuket finishing third on 13:44.66 and Newton Cheruiyot clocking 13:44.17, all reaching the finals slatted for Saturday.

Pushed by the desire to represent the country and missing a golden opportunity to make a debut at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Kibet says his dream is almost coming true.

He believes the disappointment has secretly been motivating him to do everything right to make the national team to Japan.

“Missing the world Championships was not my making. But that particular moment has opened my eyes and made me aware,” Kibet who has already attained Tokyo qualifications reflected.

During the Doha trials, the Katagat-based athlete and Daniel Simiu who was placed second, failed to meet the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) anti-doping threshold for the national world show therefore failing to debut at the international stage.

“I am happy I am now in the doping testing pool the technicality that eliminated me two years ago.

Then I didn’t know that an athlete can only be allowed to compete at at a major Championships if they have undergone at least three doping tests including one out of competition,” Kibet told People Sport.

Kenya last won the 5,000m men’s Olympic title in 1988 through John Ngugi, before Kibet was born and he cant wait to break the jinx.

“Right now I know the field is very competitive but I also know that Nicholas Kimeli is the only athlete in the country, currently with a better form than me. I don’t want to think a lot about the athletes behind me,” said Kibet

In women’s Long Jump, Gloria Mulei won with a jump of 5.89 ahead of Petronila Muombe 5.88 and Priscilla Tabunda 5.88.

In the corresponding men’s event, Isaac Kirwa 7 52, Edwin Too 7.50 and Tera Langat 7.50 finished in the top three positions.