Kenyan athletes are planning their qualification campaigns for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Jacob Krop and Emmaculate Jepkosgei target faster times, while Julius Yego urges more qualifying opportunities in Kenya.
Kenyan athletes face tougher LA Olympics standards after World Athletics published entry requirements for the 2028 Games on Tuesday. Athletes and coaches say careful preparation can put the targets within reach.
The men’s 5,000m standard now stands at 12:50.00, compared with 13:05.00 for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, women targeting direct qualification in the same event must run 14:34.00.
World 5,000m silver medallist Jacob Krop plans to review his race selection and tactics. Former world javelin champion Julius Yego also wants more local competitions that offer qualifying opportunities.
LA Olympics standards shape track preparations
Krop, 25, intends to move into the 10,000m from the next track season while retaining the 5,000m. He sees the 2027 Diamond League series as an important stage in his qualification plans for both events.
However, the Kapenguria-based runner said athletes must choose competitions carefully because not every meeting produces fast times. He plans to start testing his form from next March, alongside mental preparation for the challenge.
Krop believes he can meet the targets through detailed planning. He also stressed individual efforts to secure direct entry and improve world rankings.
For Emmaculate Jepkosgei, the women’s 5,000m requirement means improving on her 15:20.62 performance in Brussels in May. The winner of last month’s Machakos Cross Country meet plans to combine speed work with endurance training.
She expects local and international cross-country races to build endurance while her coaches and management prepare her track programme. However, she said reaching the required time would take sustained preparation.
Yego calls for more qualifying meetings in Kenya
Yego argues that access to suitable competitions will influence which Kenyan athletes reach the Games. He said emerging athletes face difficulties because Europe and other overseas destinations host most qualifying meetings.
According to Yego, only two domestic track and field competitions offer athletes qualifying marks or ranking points. As a result, he believes athletes with access to overseas meetings have a stronger chance.
The six-time African champion urged the federation to seek World Athletics silver and bronze status for some weekend meetings. He warned that limited opportunities could leave Kenya sending smaller teams to major championships.
Meanwhile, Volare Sports coach Sammy Bii offered a more positive assessment of the marathon requirements. The Iten-based coach said the standards favour Kenya and Ethiopia because their runners dominate performances below 2:05 for men and 2:22 for women.
