Intense battle witnessed on opening day of World U20 trials at Kasarani

The Kenyan trials for World Athletics Under-20 Championships kicked off Thursday living up to the expectations and billing as a mouth-watering meet with some scintillating performances at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.

High jumper Imani Sid and 2018 Africa Youth Games javelin gold medalist Martha Musai booked their ticket to represent Kenya at the postponed event to be held on August 17-22 in Nairobi.

Musai, the 2018 Africa Under-18 javelin silver medalist, recorded 49.30m to win the women’s javelin final, while Southern representative Musai edged out Gladys Jepkemboi of North Rift to second in 45.11.

Africa 3000m champion Emmanuel Kiplagat was easy as he won the men’s 5000m semi-final in 13:56.86 ahead of Benson Kiplagat who clocked 13:57.49 and Reuben Mosin who stopped the timer at 13:58.47.

Levi Kibet, who won men’s semi-final two, also boasts a similar script in what promises fireworks in the finals tomorrow.

Kibet, a Form Three Student at Kosirai High School in Nandi, longs to improve his school’s world under 20 pecking order in 5000m.

Faith Chepkoech, second in women’s 1500m semi-final one, wants to make debut in national team.

In the men’s race, Simon Kipkosgei made his intentions clear as he won semifinal one despite stiff challenge.

Kipkosgei is a Form Three student at Chewoyet High School in West Pokot.

Women’s 3000m provided a stage for redemption for Zena Chemutai, fourth at the World Under 20 5000m Championships in Tampere, Finland, in 2018.

Chemutai finished second behind Japan-based Teresia Muthoni in what spark off tough duel in the finals Friday.

In the second semifinal, Marion Chepng’etich longs to atone for failing to travel to Lome, Togo, for Africa cross country championships in 2020 and 2021 –due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Things were no different in women’s 1500m semi-finals with Purity Cherotich and Maurine Cherotich standing out as Covid-19 pandemic casualties. The two made the 2020 and 2021 Africa cross country teams.

Cherotich, fourth in 1500m at the 2019 Africa juniors, longs to make amends in the finals tomorrow.

But will a reprieve for Vincent Keter, who finished sixth in 1500m at the Tokyo Olympic Games trials last week.

Selected results:

Men

5000m semi-final one

1. Emmanuel Kiplagat 13:56.86

2. Benson Kiplagat 13:57.49

3. Reuben Musin 13:58.47

Semi-final two

1. Levi Kibet 13:26.11

2. Samuel Kabathi 13:35.60

3. Ezra Kiplang’at 13:38.52

Women

1500m semi-final one

1. Purity Kipkirui 4:17.18

2. Faith Chepkoech 4:19.89

3. Betty Chepng’at 4:22.21

Semi-final two

1. Maurine Cherotich 4:19.94

2. Winnie Chemutai 4:21.04

3. Maureen Michira 4:23.37

1500m semi-final 1 (men)

1. Simon Kipkogei 3:46.87

2. Stephen Masindet 3:48.79

3. Aphazard Kimutai 3:49.46

Semi-final 2

1. Vincent Keter 3:42.44

2. Emmanuel Lemama 3:43.17

3. Gilbert Kipng’etich 3:37.75

3000m (women) semi-final 1

1. Teresia Muthoni 8:56.29

2. Zena Chemutai 9:01.67

3. Naomi Jeptoo 9:04.98

Semi-final 2

1. Marion Chepng’etich 8:59.03

2. Maureeen Chepkoech 9:09.82

3. Faith Chebet 9:10.47

Semi-final 1 (men)

1. Peter Kamau 7:59.93

2. Gilbert Kiprotich 8:02.55

3. Kevin Kiplagat 8:05.68

semi-final 1 (men) 3000m steeplechase

1. Amos Serem 8:25.36

2. Simon Kiprop 8:28.89

3. Aron Bett 8:43.00

Semi-final 2

1. Ronald Kipng’etich 8:50.67

2. Allan Kiplagat 8:54.37

3. Joash Ruto 9:03.04