Confirmed! Brigid Kosgei out of Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Changes have allegedly been made to the women's marathon team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Fans had caused an uproar concerning the women’s marathon team, questioning why Sharon Lokedi was selected as a reserve and Brigid Kosgei included in the main team.

However, Pulse Sports has established that the 2022 New York City marathon champion Lokedi will now be included in the main team. Lokedi will join defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri.

In a press statement released by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, Kosgei had expressed injury concerns and was forced to withdraw from the event. She will not be heading to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

NOC-K announced that 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.

"Sharon Lokedi who was named in the reserve team will now join defending Champion Peres Jepchirchir and Hellen Obiri to fly Kenya’s flag in Paris," the statement read in part.

"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."

Lokedi has showcased her fighting spirit in her recent races, finishing second in the 10km road race at the Mastercard New York Mini 10K. She also stuck with Obiri until the finish line at the Boston Marathon, finishing second. Last year, Lokedi finished third at the New York City Marathon.

On her part, Kosgei has struggled with injuries, failing to live up to the billing in her recent races. In 2023, she failed to finish at the London Marathon and proceeded to finish fourth at the New York City Marathon.

The former world marathon record holder then ended her season with a win at the Abu Dhabi Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:19:15.

This season, Kosgei opened her season with a win at the Lisbon Half Marathon before proceeding to the London Marathon where she finished fifth.

The women's Olympic race will take place on August 11, the day after the men's marathon.

posted Wednesday July 10th
by Abigael Wafula