Report14 Jul 2013


Kejelcha restores Ethiopia's pride in the boys' 3000m in Donetsk

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Yomif Kejelcha in the boys 3000m at the IAAF World Youth Championships 2013 (© Getty Images)

Yomif Kejelcha restored Ethiopia to the top of the podium for the first time in this event after three editions of IAAF World Youth Championships where Kenyans had won, taking the victory with an impressive change of pace 600m from home to clock a 7:53.56 lifetime best.

The 15-year-old unleashed a brutal 2:30.22 final kilometre to come home comfortably ahead Kenya’s Vedic Kipkoech, who crossed the line second in 7:55.60..

The 17-year-old Kipkoech, coached by the famed Bro. Colm O’Connell in Iten, led a pack of five through 1000m in 2:44.97 before winding up the pace with a 2:38.37 split and hitting 2000m in 5:23.34 before his Ethiopian rival took charge.

Kejelcha was unchallenged down the final 100m, as the fast-finishing Kipkoech passed his tiring team mate, Alexander Mutiso Munyao, who went backwards over the last with a 7:56.86 personal best.

Kejelcha’s gold is only Ethiopia’s second in this event during the 14-year history of this championship, following Legese Lamiso’s 2007 victory in Ostrava.

Kenya meanwhile, with two means in 2013, continue to enjoy a superb history in this event with six gold, seven silver and two bronze now in their collection.

In fourth place, Ethiopia’s Mogos Tuemay clocked a 8:03.83 whilst Eritrea’s Nftalem Kibrab was fifth in 8:05.19, both personal bests.

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