LONDON: Kenya and Ethiopia are set to continue their traditional role as the strongest African medal contenders at the Olympics.
While South Africa may be unable to match the men and women from East Africa in podium appearances, they are desperate to better a dismal showing in Beijing when 253 athletes won just one medal between them.
Nigeria are another country who must believe the only way is up after a one silver and three bronze return from the 2008 Games and there are bound to be surprises from African unknowns under the radar.
Kenya fared best among the African countries in Beijing with six gold, four silver and four bronze – a 14-medal haul that doubled the number they brought back from the Athens Olympics.
“Kenyans will not be satisfied unless the athletes bring back gold and the pressure on them in London is going to be tremendous,” said trainer Colm O’Connell, coach to 20 past Olympic and world champions.
While the unexplained death of Beijing marathon champion Samuel Wanjiru still casts shadows, Wilson Kipsang, Abel Kirui and Emmanuel Mutai were chosen from 278 hopefuls and are considered worthy successors.
The women’s marathon team of Mary Keitany, Edna Kiplagat and Priscah Jeptoo has its sights on gold after the 2004 and 2008 silvers of Catherine Ndereba and there are high hopes for Vivian Cheruiyot in the 5,000-metre and 10,000m races.
David Rudisha is among the 800m favourites, but could face strong competition from rapidly improving 18-year-old Mohamed Aman of Ethiopia, a country more known for distance runners.
Among the greatest was veteran Haile Gebrselassie, who failed at 39 to qualify for London, but believes he is handing the baton to a new, even more exciting generation of athletes with Kenenisa Bekele at the forefront.
Reigning Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion Bekele overcame calf and knee injuries to post the third fastest 10,000m time in the world this year.
“I hope to show the world great things,” was his ominous message after the race in English city Birmingham. “I still have time to prepare for the Olympics and need to work on my endurance.” (AFP)