In Eugene,Oregon,USA
African champion Anatasha Cheptoo had to dig deep to claim a bronze medal in the 3000m SC at the ongoing World Athletics Under-20 Championships at Hayward Field in Oregon, USA, on Friday evening.
Cheptoo and her compatriot Mercy Chepngeno Koskey seemed to have a plan of running as a team, but their plans were spoiled by the Ethiopian duo of Almaz Yohannis and Wosane Asefa, who won gold and silver, respectively.
“We agreed with Mercy to execute a perfect race by deploying a teamwork tactic which didn’t work out today. When I looked behind and didn’t see Mercy, I decided to go alone. I will work hard to improve on my water jumps as I head to the seniors,” said an elated Cheptoo.
Koskey’s hunt for a global title ended in disappointment after she fell in the water and failed to finish the race at the 2335m mark of the race.
The wait for Kenya’s Under-20 championship title has extended since current Olympic and World Champion Faith Cherotich secured it in 2022.
In other Friday results, Nahashon Peach and Collins Tajewou won Heat 2 and 3, respectively, to book their spots in the 800m final set for Saturday.
Kenya, however, won’t feature in the women’s final after Marion Jepchumba finished 9th in the 3rd Heat of the semifinal.
