Kenyans Online React as 5 Kenyan-Born Marathoners Fight for Slots in the US Olympics Team

Kenyans on social media reacted after a list of marathon runners fighting for a place in the US Olympic team was unveiled.

The list of five athletes was shared on U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) Facebook page on Friday evening. 

“Tune into NBC tomorrow, Saturday 29 February from 11am-2pm CST to watch our marathon runners compete for a spot on the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team!!,” the post read.

What excited Kenyans online is that all the five athletes are Kenyan-Americans who are serving in the US Army. They are Elkanah Kibet, Augustus Maiyo, Leonard Korir, Samuel Kosgei and Haron Lagat.

Those who qualify to represent the US will go head-to-head with the likes of Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya in the 42-kilometer marathon race at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan later this year.

Here are some of the reactions from Kenyans online;

Dee Murando said: “Congratulations to them great team...This time Kenya Team we're doomed😢😢😢.”

Mutaikp Prince wrote: “Congrats to Team Kenya. We run the world.”

Rebecca Ochong stated: “Congratulations guys. Kenyan flag 🇰🇪 still shining bright 👏🏽👏🏽.”

Justus Ijakaa noted: “Team USArmy am so proud all the way from Kenya we came to defend the flag of our new Country USA....Armystrong💪💪💪 and this👉🇺🇲 we will defend.”

Ptah Wanjohi said: “Wherever these guys are they still Kenyan as much as they are American. We support you from the motherland. May the best man win.”
Kimutai Stanley noted: “This is great to Kalenjin nation as we dominate the world in athletics.”

Kiptoo Barkutwo said: ‘All the best guys…Mr. SGT kosgei my neighbor amagun kabelishiet sir.”

Lydia Ngaira wrote: ‘Kenyans in America💕💕💕.”

Ben Re Keter said: “They are all from Rift valley in Kenya 🇰🇪👏🏿👏🏿.”

Cheruuh Gladys said: “This is team mursik, people of good teeth.”