Team Kenya chasing more titles on penultimate day in Lima
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 30.08.24. | 10:16
The team has so far won one medal of each colour in the opening three days
The World Athletics U20 Championships continue in Lima today, with Team Kenya chasing more medals on the global stage.
Stephen Ndangili Kihu is the first of Kenya’s youngsters in action today as he lines up for the men's 10,000m race walking from 17:25 hrs (EAT). The Africa U-18 race walk bronze medalist is looking to replicate Heristone Wanyonyi’s heroics from the 2021 edition, where the Kenyan won gold.
Wanyonyi competed in the last edition held in Cali in 2022, but his title defense attempt fell through as he was disqualified. Kihu will then have his work cut out as his 43:17.19 season-best is more than two minutes off the quickest time on the startlist.
Turkish Mazlum Demir won the last title in 42:36.02, well within Kihu’s personal best time of 42:01.45.
“I have prepared for this moment extensively, and I am ready for the race. My endurance and speed are okay, and I have also trained on my finishing, and I feel confident going into the race. My biggest target today will be a new PB, as I hope it propels me to a medal.
This is my last chance for glory in the junior category, and I want to make a name and a profile for myself before transitioning to the senior level, where the competition will be stiffer,” Kihu said ahead of the race.
Meanwhile, the evening session will also see several Kenyans in action, with the duo of Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech and Kelvin Kimutai Koech first up in the men’s 800m final set for 00:35 hrs.
The two are out to reclaim the title last won by Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi in front of a home crowd in 2021. In Cali, Noah Kibet was Kenya’s sole finalist but only managed seventh place.
“I like running from the front and that has helped me today.
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) August 28, 2024
My main target was to proceed to semis as this was one of a kind for me, competing in such championships”Sarah Moraa remarked
Sarah Moraa clocked 2:05.11 qualifying her for the semis🇰🇪#TeamKenya#HesabikaNaMabingwa… pic.twitter.com/lLybYVwkWT
Meanwhile, Sarah Moraa lines up for the women’s 800m final at 00:50hrs as she chases her maiden world title to add to her Africa 800m title and end Kenya’s drought for the two-lap title in the women’s category.
Elsewhere, two more Kenyans, Mercy Chepkemoi and Marion Jepngetich, will be on track at 01:45hrs chasing the 3000m title.
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