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Athletics Kenya unveil star-studded squad for World U20 Championships
Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 23.05.26. | 20:33
The team was selected following a two-day trial held from Friday, 22 to Saturday, 23 May, at the Nyayo National Stadium
Athletics Kenya has unveiled a strong squad that will represent the country at the World Athletics U20 Championships set for Sunday, 2 to Sunday, 9 August in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
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The team was selected following a two-day trial held from Friday, 22 to Saturday, 23 May, at the Nyayo National Stadium. Winners in each event earned automatic qualification, while the final slot was picked by a panel of judges.
Among the standout performers was Mercy Chepng’eno, who continued her impressive form after recently clinching silver at the African Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Competing in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, Chepng’eno clocked 9:47.40 to finish second behind Anastashia Cheptoo, who stormed to victory in 9:37.37. Abigael Kosgei completed the podium in 10:12.94.
Chepng’eno comfortably attained the World U20 entry standard of 10:36. Speaking after the race, the youngster who trains at the Lemotit Camp under coach Paul Kemei admitted the race tested her physically after her recent exploits in Ghana.
“The race was not easy. I am fresh from representing the country at the African Championships in Accra, where I won silver. I experienced some fatigue, but I decided to come for the trials and fight for a ticket to Eugene,” she said.
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At the African Championships, Chepng’eno timed 9:30.47 to secure silver behind compatriot Diana Chepkemoi, who won gold in 9:29.19.
The youngster believes the experience of competing against senior athletes has sharpened her ahead of the global event.
“Running with seniors was very good. I got to learn a lot, and that will help me as I prepare for Eugene,” she noted.
Chepng’eno is also optimistic that Kenya can dominate the steeplechase in Oregon.
“When we go to Eugene, we will work together with Anastashia to bring home the medals,” she said.
In the men’s 5000m, Nehemiah Kipng’eno produced a commanding performance to win in 13:41.16 ahead of Andrew Kiptoo, who timed 13:42.83, while Andrew Alamisi placed third in 13:51.33.
Both Kipng’eno and Kiptoo dipped under the 14:08 qualifying standard for Eugene.
The Japan-based athlete expressed delight after securing his first-ever Team Kenya call-up.
“The race was hard, but I pushed myself. This will be my first time making the Kenya team, and I am so happy,” he said.
Kipng’eno revealed he had learnt valuable lessons after missing out on the 3000m a day earlier.
“I ran 3000m yesterday, and I failed to make the top two because the pace was very high. I decided to run my own race and my own pace in the 5000m, and I am happy it paid off,” he said.
Ahead of the championships, the youngster says improving endurance will be key.
“I want to sharpen my endurance. I have the speed, but I need endurance before the World U20,” he offered.
Josephine Sembeyo lit up the women’s 1500m with a dominant display, clocking 4:09.89 to beat Caren Chepchirchir, who timed 4:12.10, while Milcent Kipyekomen finished third in 4:17.84.
Both Sembeyo and Chepchirchir sailed under the global qualifying mark of 4:27.
Despite the emphatic victory, Sembeyo admitted the competition was intense.
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“The competition was tough, but I had come prepared to push myself to secure a Team Kenya ticket,” she said.
The youngster is eager to make up for missing the podium at last year’s African U20 Championships.
“I ran the 800m at the African U20 Championships last year, and I finished fifth, so this time I want to make sure I finish in the medal bracket in Eugene,” she offered.
Sembeyo also explained her decision to transition from the 800m to the 1500m.
“I decided to shift to the 1500m because I had already set the time I had targeted in the 800m, and I wanted a new challenge.”
Before heading to Eugene, she plans to intensify speed work in training.
“When I go back to camp, I want to focus a lot on speed work.”
Lemiso eyes gold after dominant steeplechase win
In the men’s 3000m steeplechase, Emmanuel Lemiso powered to victory in 8:35.30 ahead of Nicholas Kitum, who clocked 8:37.98, while Brian Kiptarus finished third in 8:45.24.
Both Lemiso and Kitum comfortably cleared the 9:00 qualifying standard.
“I tried my best in the race; the target was to ensure I made the team,” Lemiso averred.
The youngster said disappointment at the Kip Keino Classic motivated his resurgence at the trials.
“I did not run well in Kip Keino, and I knew I had to give my best today to secure my place for the World U20. After Kip Keino, I switched my training and also diet so that I can be in top shape,” he said.
Now, the steeplechaser has his eyes firmly set on gold in Eugene.
“I am going to bring gold in Eugene. I hope God gives me good health till we go for the Championship,” he averred.
Team Kenya squad for World U20 Championships
Women
5000m: Cynthia Chepkurui, Joyline Chepkemoi
3000m: Faith Cherotich Rono, Mercy Chepngeno Mageso
1500m: Josephine Sembeiyo Mancha, Caren Chepchirchir Serem
3000m: steeplechase: Anatasha Cheptoo Langat, Mercy Chepngeno Kosgei
800m: Nancy Chepng’etich, Nancy Kibet
400m: Nancy Kibet, Judith Sepato
Men
3000m: Emmanuel Kiprono, Elkana Rawin Sanutia
5000m: Nehemiah Kipngeno, Frankline Kibet
1500m: Wilson Chepkwech, David Kapaiko
3000m: steeplechase: Emmanuel Someki Lemiso, Nicholas Kitum Losiwaren
800m: Nashon Pkiach, Collins Tajewou Tentera
100m: Louis Khawel Makhakha