UNDER 20 TRIALS
Nairobi, Kenya, July 2nd 2021- At Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, athletes had mixed emotions on the first day of the Athletics Kenya trials for the World Under-20 Championships. The federation is utilizing the tournament as a warm-up for the global event, which will take place on August 17-22 at the same location. Juniors vying for a spot in the country's first-ever championships fought it out, with their sights set on the top two spots for selection. After clearing the jumps from 1.50m to 1.68m, Zeddy Jesire, who represented Nairobi region in high jump, was the first athlete to qualify. Jesire, who recently graduated from AIC Cheptonon Secondary School, has been training in Ngong, Kajiado County, in preparation for the trials, where she was ecstatic to have won. After tying in 1.68m, she defeated her teammate Dar-Ziv Nyah Jemeli, resulting in Jesire's victory.
Another intriguing event was the 3,000m, when a team was chosen for tomorrow's finals. Teresia Muthoni, who recently graduated from Sera High School in Japan, won the first heat in 8:56.29, ahead of Africa's Under-18 champion in the distance, Zenah Jemutai, who finished in 9:01.67, and Naomi Jeptoo, who finished in 9:04.98. Marion Jepngetich, a form one student at Kimwogo Secondary School, beat out a strong field to win in 8:59.03, followed by Maureen Jepkoech in 9:09.82 and Faith Chebet in 9:10.47. Athletes will compete in semifinal races on day two of the trials, ahead of tomorrow's finals, where the federation is anticipated to choose a strong team.
Emmanuel Kiplagat, the African Under-18 3,000m champion, pulled away from the field to win the race in 13:56.86, earning a spot in the finals, which are expected to be difficult. Kiplagat, who trains in Torongo, Baringo County, said he is eager to join the team and is conserving his energy as he prepares for tomorrow's finals. “My goal is to improve on my current medal because this is a world championship, and I will work hard to win the 5,000m, but first I need to win tomorrow's event so that I will be in a good position to compete for the gold,” Kiplagat said. Benson Kiplangat, a teammate, came in second with a time of 13:57.49, while Reuben Mosin of North Eastern came in third place having clocked 13:58.47.
Barnaba Korir, the director of AK's youth development, stated that the winning team will be allowed to attend a bubble camp, which has become necessary owing to the epidemic. Athletes competing in field events and sprinters would be the first to join the bubble camp for intensive training, according to him. “We have a lot of work to do in terms of sprints and field events, and these are the individuals we're focusing on first, and they'll be joining the bubble camp ahead of the long and middle distance competitors. “We want to prepare them well in advance of the games next month,” Korir explained.
