Kenya’s track and field stars delivered stellar performances on the penultimate day of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, clinching gold and silver in two thrilling races. Sarah Moraa and Marion Jepng’etich showcased their prowess on the global stage, contributing significantly to Kenya’s medal tally at the event.
Sarah Moraa Triumphs in 800m
In a spectacular display of front-running, Sarah Moraa emerged victorious in the 800m final, claiming Kenya’s second gold medal of the championships. Moraa, the reigning African champion, dominated the race from start to finish, clocking a time of 2:00.36 minutes. This victory not only marked her first-ever gold at the World Athletics U20 Championships but also provided a significant boost to her confidence following a challenging Olympic cycle.
Reflecting on her triumph, Moraa expressed her elation, saying, “I’m so happy to have won this gold, my first ever in the world championships on my debut. I love running from the front, and today I didn’t think that I would win gold, but I’m so happy because I have also made my country proud. I just wanted to have a clear path because I learnt something from the Olympics when many athletes fell. I felt bad after missing the Olympic Games and will continue training so that I can qualify early for the global event.”
Australian Claudia Hollingsworth and Sophia Gorriaran finished second and third, respectively, as they chased Moraa but could not match her pace.
Marion Jepng’etich Claims Silver in 3,000m
Marion Jepng’etich continued Kenya’s impressive performance by securing a silver medal in the 3,000m race. Jepng’etich crossed the finish line with a time of 8:52.37, just behind Ethiopia’s Aleshign Baweke, who won gold with a time of 8:50.32. Jepng’etich’s teammate, Marta Alemayo, also shone in the race, taking home the bronze medal with a time of 8:53.64.
Jepng’etich acknowledged the tight schedule that had impacted her preparation, stating, “We had little time to train because we only had our semifinals yesterday and today we faced off in the finals. But I’m happy to have a medal.”
Mixed Results in Men’s Races
In the men’s two-lap final, Kenya’s hopes for a podium finish faltered as Phanuel Kipkoesgei Koech and Kelvin Kimutai Koech finished fifth and seventh, respectively. The race saw Ethiopia’s General Berhanu Ayansa clinch gold with a time of 1:46.86, narrowly ahead of Australia’s Peyton Craig, who secured silver with a time of 1:46.95. Japan’s Ko Ochiai rounded off the podium with a bronze, clocking 1:47.03 minutes.
Looking Ahead
As the championships approach their final day, Kenya will be keenly watching their athletes in action. Captain Edmund Serem will compete in the 3000m steeplechase final, while Mathew Kosgei will also be a key contender. Additionally, Miriam Chemutai Kibet and Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka will aim for medals in the 1500m final.
Currently, Kenya stands sixth overall in the medal rankings with a tally of 2 golds, 2 silvers, and 1 bronze. The United States leads the standings with 4 golds, 4 silvers, and 4 bronzes. Ethiopia is in second place with 4 golds, 2 silvers, and 1 bronze, while China holds third position with a total of 9 medals, comprising 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 3 bronzes.
As the championships conclude, Kenya’s athletes are poised to give their all in their remaining events, striving to improve their position and finish the competition on a high note.
