Young Athletes gave seasoned athletes a run for their money during the National Athletics Trials held on Tuesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex to select Team Kenya for the 20th World Athletics Championships set for Tokyo, Japan.
Nelly Chepchirchir led Olympian Susan Ejore and Dorcas Ewoi as they both punched their Tokyo tickets in the 1500m, where they will join defending Faith Kipyegon.
Chepchirchir won the final in 4:05.9, 0.15 secs ahead of Ejore, while Ewoi came home 3rd in 4:08.08.
Former world under-20champion Reynold Cheruiyot powered to the men’s victory in the 1500 m, posting 3 minutes 48.96 seconds, relegating former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot to 2nd position in 3:49.07 as they both sealed their Tokyo tickets.
It was a similar tale in the 3000m steeplechase as reigning World Under-20 champion Edmund Serem claimed victory (8:38.91), ahead of national champion Simon Koech (8:31.97) and world silver medallist Abraham Kibiwot, who finished in 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively.
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National 800m champion Lilian Odira beat a star-studded field to win the 800m race in 2:13.85, followed by Olympian Vivian Chebetin and Sarah Moraa, who finished 2nd and 3rd in 2:14.05 and 2:14.31, respectively, as they join defending champion Mary Moraa for the Tokyo Championship.
African Games 10,000m champion Janeth Chepngétich sealed her maiden World Championship ticket after clocking 30 minutes 27.02 seconds, followed by 10km World record holder Agnes Jebet Ngétich, in 30:27.38 and 10,000m World record holder Beatrice Chebet, who completed the podium positions in 30:27.52.
Ngétich and Chebet will be doubling in Tokyo after punching their 5000m tickets early this month in Eugene.
World bronze medallist Faith Cherotich won the 3000m steeplechase final, clocking 9:9.44, followed by US-based Doris Lemngole in 9:24.69, ahead of Caren Chebet, who finished a distant 3rd.
