STIFF COMPETITION AS TEENS FIGHT FOR WORLD U20 TICKETS TO USA

African junior 3000m champion Emmanuel Kiprono and World Cross Country silver medallist Cynthia Chepkirui headlined a thrilling opening day of the World Under-20 Championships trials at Nyayo National Stadium as Kenya’s teenage athletes battled for slots to the global showpiece set for August 5-9 in Eugene, United States.

Kiprono, a Form Three student at St Francis Kimuron Secondary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County, dominated the men’s 3000m race from start to finish, clocking an impressive 7:35.4 to seal his ticket to Eugene. Edwin Sanutia followed in second place in 7:59.6 as the duo booked places in the Kenyan team.

In the women’s 5000m, Chepkirui — fresh from winning silver at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, USA — produced a powerful finish in the final two laps to storm to victory in 15:24.4. Joyline Chepkemboi came home second in 15:37.8.

Speaking after the race, the Form Four student at Kalyet Secondary School in Kericho County said returning to the United States inspires her to chase an even greater achievement on the track.

“Yes, I won silver in the USA earlier this year, and I hope going back there motivates me to rewrite the history I made there,” said Chepkirui.

Elsewhere, Celestine Jepleting claimed victory in the women’s 400m hurdles in 1:04.1 ahead of Rita Mwende, who timed 1:06.4. In the men’s race, Vincent Kipkoech won in 54.79 while John Milia finished second in 57.52.

Renowned youth coach Paul Kemei described the competition at the trials as intense, noting that the athletes posted encouraging performances ahead of the championships.

“The times posted here are very promising, meaning there will be a few things to fine-tune when these youth go to team camp ahead of the championships in the USA,” said Kemei, who also coaches world record holder Beatrice Chebet.

National Olympics Committee of Kenya vice president and Athletics Kenya Director of Youth Development Barnabas Korir said the fierce competition witnessed on the opening day reflects the depth of talent in the country.

Korir attributed the impressive performances to Athletics Kenya’s long-term development strategy, which works closely with schools and coaches to strengthen training programmes for school-going athletes during holidays.

The national trials conclude on Saturday.