Athletics: Kenyan with a point to prove

Joyce Chepchumba, who emerged to world prominence in finishing runner-up to Liz McColgan at the 1996 Flora London Marathon, will tread her favourite course once again this Sunday seeking a third London title - or at least a performance good enough to oblige Kenya's selectors to think again over their Olympic selection.

Despite a record over the last eight years that is unmatched in its high level of consistency - 16 consecutive marathons of 2hr 28min 02sec or less - the 33-year-old German-based athlete has been snubbed by the Kenyan Athletics authorities.

They appear to have ignored the claims of the woman who won Olympic bronze in Sydney four years ago, naming three others - the Kenyan record-holder, Catherine Ndereba, this year's London favourite Margaret Okayo, and Alice Chelegat, whose best is almost three minutes slower than the women's only race world record of 2.23.22 which Chepchumba set in winning her second London title five years ago.

But uncertainty remains over how firm the Kenyan authorities will be in their selection - this is a federation, after all, that changed all three of its nominated male runners before last year's World Championships.

Clearly Chepchumba believes she can stake a claim to a third Olympic appearance with a strong showing this weekend in a race that looks wide open in the absence of the Briton who has won the last two events in world record times, Paula Radcliffe.

Chepchumba seemed reluctant to be too critical of their stance when she made her appearance at the Marathon HQ yesterday but she could not hide her sense of dismay over the decision. "They didn't select on times," she said. "With Catherine and Margaret, OK. But the other lady has not run so fast. Maybe they should wait until after the London and Boston marathons. But it's their choice to do whatever they want to do."

The fact that Chepchumba is based in Germany may be a factor in the selection decision. All three nominated athletes have run in their home country recently for the Prison Service.

Chepchumba is far from over the hill in marathon terms, but her consistent achievements have left her few fresh targets to aim for. One remains, however. "Before I finish my career, and I don't know when, I would maybe like to win again in London," she said with a shy grin. That would be a tall order, but judging by her record she is sure to be there or thereabouts.