Fireworks are expected during the mini-Olympic games at Nyayo Stadium tomorrow and Saturday, as Athletics Kenya (AK) selects a team for the Olympic Games set to take place in Paris from August 1 to 11, 2024.

AK has invited the top athletes to compete for the coveted opportunity to represent the nation at the national trials.

Ferdinand Omanyala, Mary Moraa, and Beatrice Chebet are among the 250 star-studded athletes invited by Athletics Kenya to compete in the two-day event.

Omanyala will face stiff competition from Mark Otieno, Tyson Juma, and Dan Kiviasi in the 100m race. Omanyala seeks to redeem himself after recent disappointing performances, including a fifth-place finish at the Kip Keino Classic, second-place finishes at the Atlanta City Games and Prefontaine Classic, and a third-place finish at the Racers Grand Prix.

In the women’s 800m, Moraa will compete against Nelly Chepchirchir, Sarah Moraa, Naomi Korir, and Vivian Kiprotich. Moraa is also set to take part in the 400m race. World 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will lead the women’s team in the category.

Beatrice Chebet will face Faith Kipyegon, who will also compete in the 1500m alongside Lilian Kasait, while Margaret Chelimo will race in the women’s 5000m.

In the men’s 3000m steeplechase, Amos Serem will lead the pack, joined by his younger brother Edmund Serem, Simon Koech, and Abraham Kibiwott.

The men’s 800m will feature rising star Emmanuel Wanyonyi against Aaron Kemei, Wycliffe Kinyamal, Alex Ngeno, Emmanuel Korir, and Ferguson Rotich.

Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot, Abel Kipsang, and Brian Komen will compete in the men’s 1500m race. National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) Deputy Chief of Mission Barnabas Korir said they are coordinating closely with AK and NOCK to ensure the best team is selected.

He expressed: “This is the team where there is so much expected from the public. The team selected this weekend is going to be the best. We have an approach of a mini-Olympic. Every time you select a Kenyan team, you expect the best performance, even during the Olympics.”

NOCK treasurer Anthony Kariuki said they have forwarded the funds to AK for this weekend’s national trials.

“We thank the Ministry of Sports for availing funds in time, and we are looking forward to the trials. I urge Kenyans to show up and have a good outing,” stated Kariuki.

What’s more, he added that some teams are already in camp at Kasarani and expect the athletics team to join them immediately after the trials. By next week, all teams will be in camp.