Brigid Kosgei pulls out of Kenya’s Olympics team, Lokedi unveiled as replacement

Tokyo 2020 Olympics silver medalist and former world record holder, Brigid Kosgei has been ruled out of the Team Kenya squad for the Paris Olympics games.

According to a statement on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) disclosed that Kosgei will not represent Kenya at the Olympics due to an injury concern.

NOCK explained that the Olympic marathon silver medallist was part of the team which was training in their camp but raised an injury concern.

She raised the issue during regular monitoring sessions and the medical team led by Chief Medical Officer Dr Ondiege confirmed her injury.

Kosgei has since withdrawn from the women’s team which will be heading to Paris for the Olympic games.

“The Kenya Marathon team heading to the Olympic games in Paris has been training for slightly over two months, and the athletes continue to receive financial support and technical support,” a statement from NOCK read in part.

“It’s during the one of the regular monitoring sessions that Olympic silver medalist Brigid Kosgei expressed an injury concern to the technical team. Upon a review by the medical team led by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Ondiege, Kosgei will not be heading to Paris for her second Olympics,” it added.

NOCK has, however, vowed to continue supporting Kosgei in her recuperation journey.

“The National Olympics committee would like to thank Brigid for the time to spent in training under the Team Kenya Umbrella and will continue supporting her throughout the season.”

Kosgei won silver in 2:27:36 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics behind Peres Jepchirchir (2:27:20). She was set for a second appearance at the global showpiece.

Kosgei also holds the title of the 2020 London Marathon and Abu Dhabi Marathon where she clocked 2:19:15.

Replacement

With Kosgei set to miss the Olympics, NOCK has picked in form 2022 New York Marathon winner, Sharon Lokedi. The 30-year-old has bagged several accolades including finishing as a runner-up at Boston Marathon.

Lokedi represent Kenya alongside other luminaries including the title holder Peres Jepchirchir and Boston and New York Marathon winner, Hellen Obiri,

Lokedi has a personal best of 2:23:23 from her debut and victory at the 2022 New York City Marathon. Most recently, she finished second in the NYRR Mini 10K in 31:04 in New York City on June 8, 2024.

The men’s Olympic marathon will be on August 10, 2024, while the women’s Olympic marathon will be on August 11, 2024.

The men’s team comprises of Eliud Kipchoge, London marathon champion Alexander Munyao and Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto.

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