Kenya's Sandra Chebet and Ann Gathoni lead the 2000m steeplechase at the 2015 African Youth Championships (© Clyde Koa Wing)
Emily and Sandra Chebet are among the many medal contenders on Kenya’s team for the IAAF World Youth Championships, Cali 2015.
Following their respective victories in the 3000m and 2000m steeplechase at the African Youth Championships in Reduit earlier this year, Emily and Sandra confirmed their spot on the Kenyan team after winning their events at the recent World Youth Championships Trials in Nairobi.
Both athletes currently top the world youth lists. Emily clocked a world-youth-leading 9:08.8 in the 3000m at the trials event, while Sandra’s 2000m steeplechase best of 6:20.47 came at the African Youth Championships.
All four of Kenya’s African youth champions in the boys’ middle-distance events also feature on the team.
Kipyegon Bett took gold in the 800m in Reduit earlier this year, but he was beaten at the Kenyan trials by newcomer Willy Tarbei. In a close race, both athletes smashed their PBs, clocking 1:44.51 and 1:44.55 to move into the top five on the world youth all-time list and securing their spot on the team for Cali.
The other African youth champions on the team are 1500m runner Kumari Taki, 3000m world youth leader Davies Kiplangat and steeplechaser Vincent Kipyegon.
Since the IAAF World Youth Championships began in 1999, Kenya has finished in the top two on the medals table at all but one edition. Their best overall performance came in 2009 when they topped the table with six gold medals, seven silver and one bronze.
IAAF
Kenyan team for Cali 2105
BOYS
200m: Aaron Kimutai, Mackson Sirere
400m: Edwin Ngeeti, Josphat Kipngetich Ngeno
800m: Kipyegon Bett, Willy Tarbei
1500m: Lawi Koskei, Kumari Taki
3000m: Davies Kiplanagat, Richard Kumunyan Yator
2000m steeplechase: Vincent Kipyegon Ruto, Geofrey Rotich
400m hurdles: Nicholas Chirchir, Emmanuel Kipyegon
Long jump: Edward Kiplimo
GIRLS
400m: Purity Joy Chepkoech, Jane Njoki Theuri
800m: Betty Chepkemoi, Mary Kalakye
1500m: Joyline Cherotich, Janeth Jepngetich
3000m: Emily Chebet, Sheila Chelangat
2000m steeplechase: Sandra Chebet, Celphine Chepteek Chespol
