Caren Chebet wins the 2000m steeplechase at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017 (© Getty Images)
Taking advantage of her compatriot's error, Kenya’s Caren Chebet charged to victory at the IAAF World U18 Championships Nairobi 2017 on Friday (14), winning the gold medal in a dramatic girls' 2000m steeplechase final.
Having pulled away from Chebet in the closing stages, Mercy Chepkirui looked to have the race wrapped up on the final lap, but she stumbled at the last water jump and was left sprawled on the track.
Yanking herself back up, Chepkirui soon regained her rhythm, but she could not respond to a late surge from Chebet and settled for second place.
Chebet crossed the line in 6:24.80, chopping nearly three seconds off Chepkirui's world U18 lead, and Chepkirui took silver, also setting a personal best of 6:26.10 to the delight of the home crowd.
Ethiopia's Etalemahu Sintayehu grabbed the bronze medal in 6:35.79.
"I'm very happy because it's my first time to compete on such a big stage," Chebet said.
"I thank my coaches who have instilled discipline in me, enabling me to win."
Wesley Botton for the IAAF
