AFP - Kenya's double world champion Vivian Cheruiyot beat a strong field Friday to win the 10,000 metres Olympic trial race and moved a step closer to her bid for another double at the London Games.
Cheruiyot, who was competing in her first 10,000m race since the world championships in Daegu last August, clocked 32:24.51 ahead of Joyce Chepkirui (32:24.71) and world silver medallist Sally Kipyego, who was third in 32:26.82.
Cheruiyot and Chepkirui clinched the two automatic places for the Olympics, with the third athlete to be decided by the selectors but Cheruiyot said she was now looking forward to be selected in the 5000 metres which will be held on June 23.
"I am happy I have made the team in the 10,000m. I know the 5000m is my favourite event, but since I am considering to double up in the Olympics, it is satisfying to have already put one race in the bag," said Cheruiyot.
Former world 10,000m Linet Masai bowed out of the race contention after staying with the leading pack into the last kilometre of the 27-lap event.
The men's Olympic 10,000 metres trial was held in Eugene in the USA on June 1, in a unique qualifying format aimed at bringing Kenya their first Olympic gold in 44 years.