Makau and Kirui granted wild-cards for 2012

Athletics Kenya has granted both world champion Abel Kirui and world marathon record-holder Patrick Makau wild-cards for next year's Olympic Games in London.

Given the unprecedented standards of marathon-running, one might have thought the selectors would have waited until next spring to name their triumvirate. However, such early selection allows Kirui and Makau the option of opting out of a spring marathon as participation in another marathon might prove detrimental to their gold-medal chances in the Olympic Games.

This leaves just one place left on the Kenyan team and some very big names are almost certain of missing out on selection, including the fastest-ever marathoner Geoffrey Mutai, who posted a world-best of 2:03:02 on a downhill course in Boston.

Mutai, who was a narrow runner-up to Makau in last year's Berlin Marathon, will now compete in New York but even a victory is unlikely to confirm his selection for the Kenyan team.

Here's a look at other potential casualties;

Moses Mosop (2:03:06)

Mosop made a startling debut in Boston although the 26-year-old cannot rest on his laurels. His next marathon will be Chicago on October 9.

Emmanuel Mutai (2:04:40)

His performance in London perhaps made him the leading contender for the Olympic title at the time but he was immediately usurped by Mutai (no relation) and Mosop's performances from Boston the following day. He also races next in New York where he was second last year.

Wilson Kiprotich (2:04:57)

Does anyone remember his sub-2:05 in Frankfurt last year?

Vincent Kipruto (2:05:13)

He has dipped under the 2:06 barrier three times and he took a silver medal at the World Championships in Berlin. This still pales into comparison against some of his compatriots.

Martin Lel (2:05:15)

Lel made a pleasing return to form in the London Marathon after a catalogue of injuries but even so, his best days seem to be behind him. He also didn't perform that well at the Beijing Olympic Games either.

Wilson Chebet (2:05:27)

The 26-year-old won in Rotterdam this year in 2:05:27.

Eliud Kiptanui (2:05:39)

Kiptanui debuted with 2:05:39 in Prague last year but his performances haven't been of the same calibre in 2011.