Uganda, March 16 -- The Paris 2024 Olympics are very important for Joshua Cheptegei. For a while, he has singled out these Games as a key stage to wrap up his long-distance track career.

Even after his marathon debut in Valencia, Spain last December, Cheptegei and his management insisted he would return to do the 10000m final in the French capital come August.

Cheptegei has not won the 25-lap gold medal at the Olympics in two attempts. And, that is his priority in 2024. But, he has a small matter to sort first.

The reigning 5000m Olympic champion must first secure a ticket to Paris and that's why, he will compete at the Laredo 10K in Spain on Saturday. "I am happy to be racing back in Spain," a jovial Cheptegei said in a message.

"The...