"This gesture, the show of trust in my ability is special to me. I don't take it for granted. Making the Kenya team is the hardest part with so many young athletes emerging every day. But due to my discipline, hard work and commitment to the cause, I have made it.

"Looking back, I don't think I could be in the Kenya team waiting for my fifth Olympics if it's not down to good results."

Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei said Cheruiyot deserves her slot in the team owing to her consistent performances at the highest level.

"Vivian is in a class of her own. She will go down as one of the best ever athletes of her generation. Besides Eliud Kipchoge in the men's category, she is exceptional. It will be extremely difficult to get these kinds of athletes in future. Young kids rushing to the lucrative road races is the reason longevity in athletics is dwindling," Tuwei added.

Alongside the three, Kenya has also named Sally Chepyego and Valary Aiyabei as reserve athletes.

Kenya won gold in marathon in 2016 in Rio through Jemima Sumgong, but she was banned for using the drug EPO.

Tuwei believes Cheruiyot and her partners will retain the title in Tokyo.

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