Sharon Lokedi spoken for the first time after sealing her well-deserved Team Kenya marathon slot for the Paris Olympics.
Sharon Lokedi’s journey to the Paris Olympics has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Initially overlooked by Athletics Kenya (AK) when they named their team for the Olympics, her dreams seemed dashed.
However, an unexpected turn of events gave Lokedi the opportunity she’d been longing for: an injury forced former world record holder and reigning Olympics silver medalist Brigid Kosgei to withdraw, opening the door for Lokedi.
Lokedi’s excitement was palpable as she took to social media to express her joy. “I AM GOING TO PARIS!!! I am beyond excited to be heading to my first Olympics and my first team selection.
“This is definitely a dream come true! I never imagined my 4th marathon would be at the Olympics,” she wrote, capturing the emotions of an athlete whose perseverance had finally paid off.
The 30-year-old’s initial exclusion from the team had sparked a buzz on social media, with whispers suggesting that her omission might have been due to sponsorship politics.
Despite these speculations, Lokedi’s eventual inclusion has her now focusing on the opportunity ahead, thrilled to join a star-studded squad aiming to defend Kenya’s title from the Tokyo Olympics.
“Looking forward to representing Kenya and lining up with the fiercest crew,” she added, highlighting her enthusiasm to compete alongside her accomplished teammates.
Lokedi joins Peres Jepchirchir, who will be defending her 2021 title, and debutant Hellen Obiri, forming a formidable trio with the potential to sweep the podium in Paris.
With a personal best of 2:23:23, achieved during her victorious debut at the 2022 New York City Marathon, Lokedi is no stranger to high-level competition.
Her recent second-place finish in the NYRR Mini 10K in New York City, clocking in at 31:04, further underscores her readiness.
Despite her impressive performances, including a runner-up finish in Boston and third place at the New York City Marathon, Lokedi was initially named as a reserve.
Her strong showings on the challenging, hilly courses of Boston and New York, completed without the aid of pacemakers, demonstrated her resilience and capability in championship-style races typical of the Olympics.
With her place on the team now secured, Lokedi is set to bring her best to the Paris Olympics. She is ready to make her mark on the international stage, standing alongside her talented teammates.
This opportunity, once a distant dream, is now within her grasp, and Lokedi is prepared to seize it with all the vigor and determination that have defined her career.
