For the first time in the Olympics, Kenya is not sure of a gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase race.
Rio 2016 gold medalist Conseslus Kipruto is not in Tokyo to defend his crown, Ezekiel Kemboi retired and the ever consistent Brimin Kipruto is not there to push Kenya’s pursuit for gold in the 71/2 laps race.
But Kenya being a hub of talent, new stars have emerged and their main aim is to ensure that the long standing tradition stays put.
This year however, Morrocan Soufiane El Bakkali is a real threat to Team Kenya’s steeplechase team.
Bakalli won bronze during the World Athletics championships in Doha in 2019 and he is a clear favourite for a medal in Tokyo.
In Tokyo, Kenya will have Leonard Bett,Abraham Kibiwott and Benjamin Kigen hunting for gold in the steeplechase.
In Doha, Kigen, Kibiwott and Bett finished sixth, seventh and ninth respectively. It is for this reason that the trio have to ensure that they are at their best as they prepare to face the red-hot Bakalli.
World U-20 silver medalist Leonard Bett says they have come up with a strategy to ensure that they sweep all the podium at the Tokyo Olympics.
"He is somebody we have met several times in the Diamond Leagues and in the world championships. He is a great runner but nonetheless we do not fear anybody because we are confident about what we have learnt in training. Even though we come from different camps, we have been working together as Team Kenya to see how we can sweep all the podium places," Bett said.
"Of course, there's always pressure as was the case with the World Championship and even with the Diamond League. But this is the Olympics and being my first ever I'd admit the pressure is a bit too high. However, we are also confident because we have trained hard and worked on our strategy. Steeplechase has been Kenya's domain for many years and we are motivated to ensure it remains our own," he added.
Kenya has won the steeplechase event at the Olympics a record 11 times, with Kipruto's win at the Rio Olympics in 2016 cementing the country's status as a powerhouse in the distance.