Kenya claimed gold on the opening day of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships as Betty Chelangat powered to a dominant victory in the women’s 3000m final in Cali, Colombia.
The 17-year-old produced a powerful kick to finish in 9:01.03 ahead of Ethiopian Tsiyon Abebe (9:03.85) and her Kenyan compatriot Nancy Cherop (9:05.98).
The three were locked in a three-person leading pack by the penultimate lap with Chelangat in control with a yard for an advantage while Abebe stuck right at the back of Cherop.
They took the bell in that order before Chelangat wheeled away on the back straight while Cherop was caught up and overtaken by her pursuer to settle for bronze.
Earlier in the day, the national junior champion, Daniel Kimaiyo, reached the final of the men’s 1500m after winning his heat (H1) and will be joined by Reynold Cheruiyot who also topped his heat (H2).
Faith Cherotich cruised to the 3000m steeplechase women’s final with a dominant win in her heat while Pamela Kosgei also sailed through after finishing second behind Ethiopian Sembo Almayew in Heat 1.
Nelly Chepchirchir took Heat 1 in the women’s 800m qualifying while Evaline Chepkoech also booked her ticket with a third-place finish in Heat 2.
Kenya’s stars of the future are looking to highlight the country on the global map and Absa Bank Kenya wishes them all the best.
