Africa 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Edmond Serem, preparing for the World Under 20 Championships in Lima , Peru at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani. Photo Peter Njoroge
Team Kenya Under 20 captain Edmund Serem and Mathew Kosgei secured their places in the 3,000m steeplechase final during the second day of the World Under 20 Athletics Championships.
The duo will be joined by the 1,500m trio on the final day of the championship on Sunday 31st. Edmund, the Africa Championships silver medalllist is hoping for a Kenyan 1,2 finish. Speaking after winning his heat, at the Estadio Atlético de la Videna, in Lima, Peru, he said that he is motivated to reclaim the title won by his brother Meshack Serem during the 2021 Nairobi edition.
“Started at the back. I was preserving energy for the end. So, Saturday will see how it goes and what to do.” Said Edmund.
Edmund, ran a conservative race and won comfortably in eight minutes, 46.56, while Hailu Ayalew of Ethiopia finished second in 8:48.14 followed by American Wyatt Haughton who clocked 8:59.09 for third place ensuring they are among the top eight athletes to qualify for the final.
His compatriot and also a bronze medallist from Africa Athletics Snr Championship Kosgei, had a different strategy on how he approached the race which he controlled and won the first heat in 8:24.64 making it the fastest race of the two heats while pushing Berihun Moges of Ethiopia and Anes Djayahia of Algeria to clock personal best of 8:30.92 and 8:39.10 respectively.
“I really wanted to run in front to feel how it will be and I managed to be the best today. I did not see my competitors reacting so I kept my pace. While competing I remembered my mother’s support and how my father’s advice to front run and not let anyone move past me.” Said Kipkosgei.
– Kipkirui, Nyaboke and Kibet make it to 1,500m final-
Mary Nyaboke during a training session at the Moi International Sports Center, Nairobi. Photo Peter Njoroge
In the 1,500m heats, their counterparts, led by Africa Under 18 1,500m gold medalist Josphat Kipkirui, Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka and Miriam Chemutai Kibet comfortably sailed through to the finals while Collins Koech Kibiwott ended his pursuit at in the heats.
Kipkirui who was inspired by tales he heard of his grandfather will be the country’s hope in the men’s 1,500m targeting to defend the title won by Reynold Cheruiyot during the 2022 WU20 championships held in Cali, Colombia.
Competing in heat one, Kipkirui won in 3:44.62 followed by South African Johannes Morepe (3:45.10) and Norwegian Hakon Moe Berg (3:45.40) booking their place in the top five automatic spots for the finals. His teammate Kibiwott finished sixth and missed out on his chance to compete at the finals.
“It was a good race because I believe myself. The problem here is the food, all the food, because the food in Kenya is different. My next step in this championship is to win a medal, to be on the podium. I’m enjoying these days in Lima, it is very nice.” Said Kipkirui.
In women’s race, Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka and Miriam Chemutai Kibet made the cut to the finals.
Nyaboke managed second position to qualify when she crossed the finish line at 4:21.72 in heat 2 behind Ethiopian Saron Berhe (4:18.88) as American Dylan Mcelhinney (4:21.74) came in third.
Nyabike a Form One student at Keberesi secondary school will be joined by Chemutai, who was 5th in heat one that was won by Great Britain’s Ava Lloid (4:21.53) with Ethiopian Tsige Teshome (4:21.92) coming second and Switzerland’s Shirin Kerber completing the podium at 4:22.21.
Day 3 schedule (Kenya Time)
21:00 – 3,000m women semifinals- Mercy Chepkemoi and Marion Jepngetich
23:58 – 800m women semifinals- Sarah Moraa
00:20 – 800m men semifinals- Kelvin Kimutai Koech and Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech
01:37- 3,000m steeplechase final – Sharon Chepkemoi and Diana Chepkemoi
02:17 – 3,000m final – Clinton Kimutai Ngetich and Dennis Kipkoech
Contribution done by Emmanuel Sabuni
