Reigning world 800m champion Lilian Odira, world 3,000m champion Faith Cherotich recorded victories at this weekend’s Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon Diamond League in the USA.
Once again, Odira edged out race favourite Keely Hodgkinson to win the 800m title as the battle for Commonwealth Games titles intensifies.
Recently, Odira has been consistent, winning both the Kip keino Classic as well as national championships cum Commonwealth games trials at the Nyayo stadium.
She clocked 1:56.19 ahead of Keely’s 1:56.73 with Addison Wiley completing the podium at 1:57.70.
Faith Cherotich returned from a long out of competition to claim the 3,000m steeplechase title in 8:51.74 ahead of Wilfred Yavi (8:52.84) and Marwa Bouzayani in third.
Bother Timothy and Reynold Cheruiyot failed to shine in the one mile men’s race.
Two-time world record holder Faith Kipyegon experienced a rare setback on Saturday, finishing third in the women’s mile.
Kipyegon came third in 4:17.80 and was beaten by American Nikki Hiltz saw her clinch the win with a world-leading time of 4:17.49 with Kenya’s Dorcas Ewoi coming second in 4:17.62.