Emmanuel Kiprono and Cynthia Chepkirui were among the rising stars who secured qualification for the World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26 following the conclusion of the two-day Kenyan trials at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday and Saturday (22-23).
World U20 cross-country silver medallist Kiprono delivered a commanding performance in the men’s 3000m on Friday, clocking 7:35.40 to book an automatic place at the global showpiece. Elkanah Sanutia finished second in 7:59.60, while Enock Tuitoek claimed third place.
“I came to this race prepared,” said 17-year-old Kiprono, who won the U20 3000m at the Kip Keino Classic last month. “The pace was a bit slow, and I decided to push myself and eventually came out with a win.
“I got a silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships, and I was not happy with it, so I’ve worked really hard. I want to go to Oregon and come back home with a gold medal.”
In the women’s race, Faith Cherotich Rono produced a strong late surge to win in 8:58.22, holding off a spirited challenge from Mercy Mageso, who crossed the line second in 8:59.00 after finishing third in the 5000m on Friday. Venenza Chebet completed the podium in 9:03.69.
African U18 3000m champion Chepkirui dominated the women’s 5000m to take victory in 15:24.40. African U20 3000m bronze medallist Joyline Chepkemoi finished second in 15:37.8, while Mageso completed an impressive double by securing third place in 15:54.8.
Chepkirui’s win continues her steady improvement in a season that has already seen her place fourth in the U20 race at the World Cross Country Championships, third in the 5000m at the World Athletics Relays Trials, and ninth at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix.
Cynthia Chepkirui wins the 5000m ahead of Joyline Chepkemoi and Mercy Mageso in Nairobi (© Sylvia Abigael Wafula)
“When I go back to the camp, I will work on my speed,” she said. “I’m capable of winning a gold medal if I put in the work. My gold medal from Africa gives me the much-needed confidence to do well in Oregon.”
The men’s race witnessed a major upset as Andrew Alamisi, who won gold at the last edition of the World U20 Championships in Lima in 2024, was forced to settle for third in 13:51.33.
Nehemiah Kipngeno won the race in 13:41.16 ahead of Andrew Kiptoo Kiprop, who clocked 13:42.83.
The 3000m steeplechase events also delivered thrilling performances, African U18 champion Emmanuel Lemiso and African U20 champion Anatasha Cheptoo claiming top honours.
Lemiso impressed with a personal best of 8:35.30 to win the men’s race, holding off Nicholas Losiwaren who finished second in 8:37.98, while Brian Kandie completed the podium in 8:45.24.
“This victory is a huge motivating factor for me ahead of the World U20 Championships. After the Kip Keino Classic, I changed my diet and worked hard in training, especially clearing the water barriers,” said Lemiso, who finished second at the Kip Keino Classic.
“When we go to Eugene, I want to win a gold medal. I want to continue polishing my ability to clear the barriers smoothly.”
Cheptoo produced a commanding display to win in 9:37.37, pulling off a notable upset in the process. Mercy Chepngeno, who is fresh from gaining silver at the African Championships, had to settle for second place in 9:47.40, while Abigael Kosgei completed the podium in 10:12.94.
“I was exhausted coming into this race because I’ve not rested well after the Africa Championships in Accra, but I gave my level best,” said Chepngeno. “Competing with the senior athletes in Accra was not easy, but the experience there was invaluable.”
Josephine Sembeyo won the women’s 1500m in 4:09.89, finishing ahead of Caren Chepchirchir (4:12.10) and Milcent Jeepkonga Kipykomen (4:17.84).
Josephine Sembeyo in action at the Kenyan trials for the World U20 Championships (© Sylvia Abigael Wafula)
In the men’s race, Wilson Chepkwech took victory in 3:40.88, with David Kapaiko placing second in 3:41.29 and Brivon Kiptoo Koech third in 3:43.20.
Nancy Chepngetich won the women’s 800m in 2:00.18, while Nashon Pkiach claimed victory in the men’s race in 1:46.17.
Nancy Kibet clocked 52.70 to win the 400m and she was closely followed by Judith Sapato, who secured second place in 53.88. Faith Kemunto Onserio was third (55.54).
Sylvia Abigael Wafula for World Athletics
Kenyan team for Oregon
WOMEN
400m: Nancy Kibet, Judith Sepato
800m: Nancy Chepngetich, Nancy Kibet
1500m: Caren Chepchirchir, Josephine Sembeyo
3000m: Faith Cherotich Rono, Mercy Chepngeno
5000m: Joyline Chepkemoi, Cynthia Chepkirui
3000m steeplechase: Mercy Chepngeno, Anatasha Cheptoo
MEN
100m: Louis Khawel
800m: Nashon Pkiach, Collins Tentera
1500m: Wilson Chepkwech, David Kapaiko
3000m: Emmanuel Kiprono, Elkana Sanutia
5000m: Frankline Kibet, Nehemiah Kipngeno
3000m steeplechase: Emmanuel Lemiso, Nicholas Kitum
SOURCE: WORLD ATHLETICS
