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Kenya: Marathoner Lokedi proud of nerve-wracking Olympic experience in Paris despite missing out on medal

VaselineAugust 16, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Paris, France — Sharon Lokedi was elated and felt that she could have done little in the last 200 meters to win an Olympic medal. She thought back to a great experience in Paris.

The 30-year-old Lokedi finished fourth in her Olympic debut with a personal best of 2:23:14, behind compatriot Hellen Obiri, who took bronze with a personal best of 2:23:10.

Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won gold in an Olympic record of 2:22:25, ahead of Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa who took silver in 2:22:58.

“I wish I had done better, but I am really proud of my performance. I really thought I was in the medal class. I wish there was a medal for number 4. I want Kenyans to know that I worked hard and gave it my all,” an emotional Lokedi reflected on her final moments of the epic race.

Kenyan Tokyo 2020 champion Peres Jepchirchir, who holds the only women’s world record, had to settle for 15th place, against all expectations.

“It was tough for me; the competition was tough. We were hoping to get on the podium, but it didn’t go our way. We are grateful that we lost gold, both in the men’s and women’s, but we got bronze,” Jepchirchir said.

The Kenyans went into the Paris final with high expectations, with a world-class trio. But Lokedi saw her chances go up in smoke in the last 200 meters and saw her opponents, much to her annoyance, pull further and further away.

“Honestly, I’m really proud of myself. I saw myself in the top three the whole way. I knew the last few kilometers were going to be tough, but I just wanted to fight as hard as I could and stay in the front group until the end. I also knew I didn’t have a kick, so I really had to work hard and make sure I stayed in the top five,” said Lokedi, who lives in the US.

Asked about next year’s world championships, Lokedi joked: “I want more, I didn’t win a medal in Paris, but I’ll just keep working hard and training hard,” said Lokedi, who was only added to the team at the last minute after Brigid Kosgei withdrew.

-Sharon Lokedi Fact File-

Name: Sharon Lokedi

Sport: Marathon

Born: March 10, 1994

Province: Elgeyo Marakwet

Gender: Female

Personal record: 2:23:23

About Lokedi

Lokedi began her career as a track and field student at the University of Kansas in the US, where she represented her institution in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. She was able to specialize in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, but achieved mixed results.

Former students of Kapkenda Girls High School in Elgeyo Marakwet started competing in high school, with the 5,000 and 10,000 meters being her favorites.

After completing her degree in Business Logistics and Supply Chain, she decided to continue training and compete in various races before venturing into the marathon.

She made her marathon debut at the 2022 New York Marathon, where she surprised many by winning the title after a brilliant final kick. She would return to the New York Marathon in 2023, where she finished third. This year, she lined up for the Boston Marathon and came in second behind Hellen Obiri.

The Olympic debutant was initially included in the team as a reserve, but was only confirmed late on as a replacement for 2020 silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, who was injured in training.

Olympic goal

“I’ve run three marathons and it’s still a learning process. And when I’m competing with the best in a marathon, it motivates me even more to work hard. I also have my sights set on a podium finish.”

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