In Eugene,Oreon,USA
Josephine Sembeyo Mancha of Kenya held off stiff competition as she sprinted home to a 1500m gold medal, while Caren Chepchirchir, also from Kenya, won bronze at the 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships, which concluded on Sunday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Sembeyo, a Form Four student at AIC Loitokitok in Kajiado County, hit the front at the 700m mark but was overtaken by Claire Stegall of the USA with 400m to go, forcing the Kenyan to dig deep and sprint to the finish line in 4:01.07 for the victory.
Reflecting on her victory, the world champion said, “I dedicate the win to my mom, Naomi Mancha; she has been of great support to me and a source of inspiration. I spoke to her yesterday night; she was asking me when I am running because she wanted to watch me.”
Home favorite Stegall took silver 0.04 seconds behind Mancha, while African Under-20 champion Caren Chepchirchir bagged bronze in 4:17.50.
“My win will motivate so many young girls in Kajiado. If I have made it today, even they can manage, and I urge parents not to force girls into early marriages and allow them to get an education,” added Mancha.
“I am happy to end my junior career with a gold medal, and now I will be competing in the 800m and 1500m during AK weekend meets; my biggest dream is to race with my mentor, Faith Kipyegon, one day,” she stated.
Mancha, who turned 19 just two days before her victory, was elated as she termed it quite an achievement as she transitions to the seniors, with her key focus being the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Olympics.
“Now my goal is make it to team Kenya for the I thank my governor, Katoo Ole Metito, for the support and appeal for him to provide training facilities for more girls.”
Speaking on her bronze medal, Chepchirchir said, “We had planned to test the strength of our opponents at the 800m mark and then decide on the last 600m. It was challenging for me as I lagged behind and was blocked by my opponents, which made it hard for me to pass them, but I am grateful for the bronze. I dedicate my bronze to my mother, Irene Chemutai.I wasn’t expecting to get a bronze, but I thank God, and I appreciate my coach, Mary Ngugi, for the training.”said Chepchirchir
Kenya reclaimed the 1500m title it last won in Cali, Colombia, in 2022 through Brenda Chebet.
