Nairobi, Kenya - June 15, 2024

Storyline:
Kenya's top track and field stars have underlined their medal-winning potential at the upcoming Paris Games by producing jaw-dropping performances during the country's Athletics Olympic trials in Nairobi.

The two-day trials concluded in the Kenyan capital on Saturday with a number of athletes setting eye-catching times as they warm up for the hotly anticipated Olympics.

Among the stand outs was Kenyan teenager Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who ran the third fastest men's 800 meters of all time to book his spot in Paris in convincing style.

The 19-year old Wanyonyi motored around the Nyayo National Stadium track to stop the clock at a personal best of 1:41.70, less than a second slower than the world record set by his countryman David Rudisha back at the London 2012 Olympics.

There were also encouraging signs for African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala, who clocked a mightily impressive 9.79 seconds in the men's 100 meters final at the trials - just a fraction off his own personal best. He says there is more to come as he now sets his sights on glory at the Olympics flagship event.

Meanwhile, two-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon also proved her credentials by clocking a 3:53.99 in the 1,500 meters final – the fastest time ever recorded over the distance on Kenyan soil and at high altitude. The four-time world champion is eying up success in Paris where she will tackle two events.

The stunning performances at the trials were hailed by Kenyan athletics legends like Rudisha, who was present at the event and says he expects his countryman Wanyonyi to do the country proud in Paris.

Vivian Cheruiyot, who powered her to way to gold in the Rio 2016 women's 5,000m Olympic event, is also excited at the medal prospects for Kenya after what she has seen over the two-day trials.

Following the trials, Kenya has now locked in its track and field team for Paris 2024 as the final preparations begin for the Olympics, which get underway in the French capital on July 26.

Shotlist:
Nairobi, Kenya - June 15, 2024:
1. Electronic screen showing "welcome to the trials for the Olympic games";
2. Various of athletes during 100-meter sprint; crossing line during 800-meter race;
3. SOUNDBITE (Swahili, dubbed with English) Emmanuel Wanyonyi, World 800m silver medalist (ending with shot 4):
"I feel so good. It wasn't really what I targeted. I had planned to run 1:43 or 1:42 but to manage 1:41 means my body is responding well. If our preparations go well in these remaining weeks, then our competitors should be ready, because we're coming to Paris to compete.";
4. Wanyonyi on track;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Ferdinand Omanyala, Tokyo 2020 men's 100m Olympic finalist:
"Today was just a confirmation of what's coming because this part of the season we did not do much. It was just about touching each and every aspect of the race. So now we are getting into the Olympic camp and we're going to press even more and do more. So I'm expecting a very fast time at the Olympics.";
6. Various of gold medalist Faith Kipyegon crossing finish line, pointing to time on clock; high-fiving fellow athlete;
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Faith Kipyegon, Two-Time Women's 1500m Olympic Gold Medalist:
"I'm excited and at the same time I'm nervous. Because you know, this is my first Olympics to do the double, both the 5,000 and 1,500 [meter races]. But I'm going to try my best. I'm going to run my race and just focus to see what will be possible at the finish line.";
8. Athletes running;
9. SOUNDBITE (English) David Rudisha, Men's 800m World Record Holder (ending with shot 10):
"[To record a time of] 1:41 we always say it's another class. It's good to see him running at this particular time, in this very important year. We know as a country we have someone whom we believe that is going to do us proud in Paris 2024 Olympics.";
10. Various of athletes running.;
11. SOUNDBITE (English) Vivian Cheruiyot, Rio 2016 Women's 5,000m Olympic Gold Medalist (starting with shot 10):
"[I'm] very keen on the side of the women and I've seen that we are going to do very well, especially in the 5,000 and 10,000 and 1,500 [meter races]. Since I've seen Faith, the way she did today the 1,500 meters after running a 3:53, it's so amazing.";
12. Athletes walking.

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