Kenyan trio plan golden tribute

The Kenyans, while overwhelming favourites, will be running with heavy hearts when the Olympic men’s marathon meanders through London today.

Four years ago in Beijing, Sammy Wanjiru captured the country’s first Olympic marathon gold. But he died last year after a fall from a second-floor balcony during a domestic dispute. His countrymen will compete in his memory.

And the expectations are enormous. The crew of Wilson Kipsang, Abel Kirui and Emmanuel Mutai very well could sweep the medals for Kenya, a prospect they’re trying to downplay.

“That is very challenging for us,” Mutai said. “Everyone [Kenyans] was saying, ‘You marathoners are going to save us because you are the last to compete.’ They are giving us a lot pressure.”

Kipsang is one of most commanding figures in the event today, winning the London Marathon last April. Mutai perennially finishes near the top and Kirui is a two-time defending world champion.

Not a bad line-up to send out against the Ethiopians, who are expected to give the Kenyans a run for gold.

“I know we have two things to do here in London. Firstly, we have to retain the title of the late Samuel Wanjiru,” Mutai said. “Also, for the glory of yourself. I personally want to make sure that I run good. If I win a gold medal that is an achievement. The most important things is we need to retain that title.”

Wanjiru was dominating the distance before he died. The 24-year-old won the London Marathon in 2009, along with the Chicago Marathon in 2009 and 2010. With Wanjiru in their thoughts, the Kenyans are trying to keep that long-awaited marathon gold medal at home.