Team Kenya wrapped up its World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26 in Eugene, USA, on Monday morning with an impressive second-place finish on the global junior medal table after amassing a rich haul of 11 medals.
Kenya secured four gold medals, three silver and four bronze to finish second behind hosts USA, who topped the standings with an impressive 24-medal haul.
Further underlining Kenya’s dominance on the continental stage, Team Kenya finished the World U20 Championships as the highest-ranked African nation, with closest rivals Ethiopia settling in fifth place with a haul of six medals.
The gold-medal charge was spearheaded by Frankline Kibet, who struck gold in the men’s 5,000m, Emmanuel Kiprono i(men’s 3,000m), Wilson Chepkwech (men’s 1,500m), and Josephine Sembeyo i(women’s 1,500m).
The silver medals came from David Kapaiko in the men’s 1,500m, Nehemiah Kipng’eno (men’s 5,000m) and Emmanuel Lemiso (men’s 3,000m).
Bronze medals were secured by Nicholas Kitum in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Caren Chepchirchir (women’s 1,500m), Joyline Chepkemoi (women’s 5,000m) and Anatasha Cheptoo (women’s 3,000m steeplechase).
Athletics Kenya (AK) chair for Youth Development, Barnaba Korir, lauded the team’s impressive performance in Eugene, saying the young stars had carried the Kenyan flag with pride and determination on the global stage.
”To our athletes, thank you for representing Kenya with pride, courage and determination throughout these championships. You have made your country proud.”
”Congratulations to the athletes, coaches and entire Team Kenya delegation for a memorable campaign.”
”Hongera sana, Team Kenya,” Korir shared.
Korir further highlighted the deep pool of junior talent currently at Kenya’s disposal following the impressive World U20 display, describing the performance as a glimpse of a bright future for the country’s athletics.
”This is a powerful demonstration of the depth of talent we have in our junior ranks and the bright future of Kenyan athletics.”
Korir, who also serves as the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) first vice president, also paid tribute to the tireless work of coaches and support personnel behind the scenes in nurturing the next generation of Kenyan stars.
”Congratulations to the athletes, coaches, support staff, families and everyone working tirelessly to nurture the next generation of Kenyan champions.”
”Keep flying the Kenyan flag high.”
Team Kenya come second at World Athletics U20 Championships Oregon 26
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