Chelangat and Waithera Sail Through to 1500m Final at Paris Paralympics

Kenya’s hopes for a first medal at the 17th edition of the Paralympic Games in Paris have been kept alive by the exceptional performances of Nancy Chelangat and Mary Waithera. Both athletes have secured their spots in the final of the women’s 1500-meter T11 event, set to take place tomorrow at 11:11 a.m. Kenyan time.

Nancy Chelangat, a seasoned Paralympian, showcased her experience and determination by winning the second heat with a season’s best time of four minutes and 55.24 seconds. Chelangat, who claimed silver at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and bronze at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, dominated her heat and sent a clear message to her competitors. Her impressive form this season, which includes a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in the same event, makes her a formidable contender for the gold in Paris.

Chelangat’s victory in the heat was particularly significant as she edged out defending Paralympic champion Olivia Rodriguez of Mexico, who finished third in 5:00.23 and failed to advance to the final. Reflecting on her achievement, Chelangat expressed her determination to finally secure the elusive gold medal. “It’s a beautiful feeling to make it to my third consecutive final, and I have a strong feeling that finally, this is my time,” she said. “I have two medals from the Paralympics, silver and bronze… I am praying to God that I win gold this time.”

Chelangat, who hails from Londiani in Kericho County, acknowledged the tactical nature of her race. “It was a slow race, and that is why I decided to hit the front to control the pace. I pray for a good and golden final tomorrow,” she added. “I think it will be the pinnacle of my running career to win gold.”

Mary Waithera, making her Paralympic debut, also advanced to the final after clocking 4:50.42 in the first heat, securing second place behind Ethiopia’s Yayesh Gate Tesfaw, the reigning 2024 world champion, who finished in 4:46.34. Despite receiving a yellow card for an infringement, Waithera’s performance was enough to see her through to the final, setting the stage for a thrilling contest alongside her compatriot Chelangat.

Waithera, a 2013 world 1,500-meter T11 bronze medalist, has shown great promise in her Paralympic journey and will be looking to make a mark in the final. Her presence in the final alongside Chelangat underscores Kenya’s strong tradition in middle-distance running, even in the Paralympic sphere.

Unfortunately, not all of Kenya’s athletes were as fortunate. Priscah Jepkemei, competing in the third heat, finished third with a time of 5:03.11, missing out on qualification. The heat was won by China’s He Shanshan, the 2023 world 1,500m T11 silver medalist, in 4:44.66, while South Africa’s Louzzane Coetzee, the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics silver medalist, took second place in 4:45.25.

As the final approaches, all eyes will be on Chelangat and Waithera as they represent Kenya in the last competition featuring Kenyan athletes at the Paris Paralympics. With Kenya yet to secure a medal at the games, the nation’s hopes rest heavily on their shoulders.

Chelangat’s quest for a gold medal could be the crowning achievement of her illustrious career, while Waithera will aim to make her Paralympic debut a memorable one. Both athletes are poised to deliver outstanding performances that could potentially end Kenya’s medal drought at these games. The final promises to be an exciting and high-stakes event, not just for the athletes but for the entire Kenyan sporting community.