The excitement is palpable as the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships kick off in Lima, Peru.
Over the next five days, approximately 1,700 athletes from more than 130 teams will compete for age-group honors at the Estadio Atlético de la Videna.
Day one promises thrilling competition, highlighted by four finals, including the eagerly anticipated women’s and men’s 5000m races.
The first champion to be crowned
The first gold medal of the championships will be awarded in the women’s 5000m final. All eyes are on Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa, who is set to defend the title she won in Cali in 2022.
Eisa has emerged as a dominant force in the distance-running world, having recently finished seventh at the Olympic Games.
She holds the fastest time ever recorded by an U20 athlete in the 5000m, clocking an impressive 14:16.54 in London last year.
Earlier this season, Eisa continued her strong form with a victory at the Marrakech Diamond League in May.
Eisa’s toughest competition is expected to come from her fellow Ethiopian, Mekedes Alemeshete. Alemeshete showcased her potential by running 14:36.70 to win the Suzhou Diamond League in April.
Alongside these Ethiopian powerhouses, Kenya’s Sheila Jebet and Mercy Chepkemoi are also strong contenders, bringing their own impressive credentials to the race.
The women’s 5000m promises to be a battle of endurance and strategy, with athletes from these two East African nations expected to set the pace.
Focus on Kenya in the men’s 5000m
The men’s 5000m final will also take place on the opening day, featuring Kenya’s Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi as the top entry.
The competition is expected to be fierce, with emerging talents from around the world eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Kenya has a rich history in distance running, and Alamisi will be looking to add to his country’s storied legacy with a strong performance in Lima.
With high stakes and pride on the line, the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships are set to deliver unforgettable moments. As the first finals unfold, fans will be eagerly
Source: World Athletics
