Kenya's Brigid Kosgei set for Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon with one eye on Paris Olympics

Brigid Kosgei has her sights set on a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the belief that success in Saturday’s fifth Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon will improve her chances of earning a spot in the Kenyan national team.

The Tokyo silver medallist has a lot to prove after finishing fourth in her first appearance at the New York Marathon, behind compatriots Hellen Obiri (winner) and Sharon Lokedi (third).

Obiri clocked two hours, 27 minutes and 23 seconds as Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey came in between to take second and deny a podium sweep for Kenya last month.

Kosgei was 18 seconds behind the winner but considers that a big improvement after she didn’t finish the London Marathon in April, a race which she had won twice in 2019 and 2020.

“I have had a niggling knee injury that resurfaced in London and then I ran the New York Marathon after a long break. I didn’t do well in that, finishing fourth, and that’s why I came here to win and improve my timing,” Kosgei, who held the women’s marathon world record, told The National.

“So, yes, I got something to prove. I hope I can win a place in the three-member marathon squad for Kenya. That’s why I’m here just over a month after running a tough race like the New York Marathon.”

Kosgei improved on Briton Paula Radcliffe's 16-year-old record by 81 seconds at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, winning in two hours 14 minutes and four seconds.

However, that performance was bettered by Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa (2:11:53) at the Berlin Marathon in September.

Dr Sultan marathon

“The record can be broken again,” Kosgei said. “If not me, someone else would do that. I have been running at the highest level for over six years and I feel I can still improve my personal best time.

“Unlike New York, which