Day Two of The World Athletics Under 20 Championships Trials
Nairobi, Kenya, July 2nd — At the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani on Saturday, athletics fans will be treated to nine finals as Kenya's Trials for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships come to a close. After the three-day tournament, Athletics Kenya is likely to name a strong group that will report to camp immediately, ready in time for the rescheduled biannual event on August 17-12 in Nairobi. There will be plenty of mouth-watering battles on the schedule as a handful of seasoned athletes — medalists from African competitions – compete against young athletes for team slots.
Maureen Cherotich and Zenah Jeptoo led Brenda Jepchumba into qualifying for the biennial showpiece in the 5000m in Friday's results. Cherotich took first place in 15:44.00, ahead of Jeptoo (15:46.20), while Jepchumba came in third (16:01.0). Cherotich, who finished fourth in the 2019 Africa under 20 championships in Ivory Coast, said she took advantage of the slower speed to win. Today she will compete in the 1500m final. "I'm all set to double down (1500m and 5000m). We had a terrific race and are hoping to qualify for the remaining two races "she stated. On Saturday, however, some of the world's best athletes will compete in the final races, which are promised to be spectacular. In the men's 5000m, Emmanuel Kiplagat will race against Levi Kibet, Samuel Kibathi, and Ezra Kiplang'at, the African 3000m champion. Kiplagat, who won the continental title in Ivory Coast in 2019, says he aspires to be Africa's and the world's best.
Zena Chemutai, who finished fourth in the World Under 20 5000m Championships in Tampere, Finland, in 2018, will have a chance to redeem herself in the women's 3000m. Chemutai finished second behind Teresia Muthoni of Japan on Friday, setting up a tense finals fight. Marion Chepng'etich also wants to make amends for missing the Africa cross country championships in Lome, Togo, in 2020 and 2021 owing to the Covid-19 outbreak. "This time, I want to make a breakthrough. I was selected for the national team twice, but owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was unable to travel. I'm praying to God that I'll be able to make it this year "Chepng'etich stated. Amos Serem will lead Simon Kiprop, Aron Bett, and Fredrick Domongole in the men's 3000m steeplechase, while Judy Kirui, Joleshine Biwott, and Sharon Chepkemei will head the women's charge. Noah Kibet will lead Duncan Kangere, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, and Brian Kiptum in the men's 800m, while Nelly Jepchirchir, Judy Kemuntho, and Sheila Chepkosgei will compete in the women's event.
