Reigning World Under-20 Cross Country champion Franklin Kibet Chebet delivered Kenya’s first gold medal at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships, which got underway in Oregon, USA.
Competing at Hayward Field, the West Pokot-based athlete produced a dominant performance to win the men’s 5,000m title in 13:28.27, leading Kenya to a memorable one-two finish. Team co-captain Nehemiah Kipngeno claimed the silver medal after crossing the line in 13:30.09, while Ethiopia’s Damitew Kebede settled for bronze in 13:35.38.
The victory ensured Kenya successfully defended the men’s 5,000m title, following Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi’s triumph at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
Kibet arrived in Oregon in top form after winning the World Under-20 Cross Country title in Tallahassee in January, where Kipngeno also finished on the podium as Kenya completed a clean sweep.
In the women’s 5,000m, Kenya’s co-captain Joyline Chepkemoi secured the bronze medal in a personal best time of 15:09.08. Uganda’s Charity Cherop won gold in 15:03.88, while Ethiopia’s Shito Gumi claimed silver in 15:07.91.
Kenya also enjoyed a strong showing in the 800m heats. Collins Tajewou, Nashon Pkiach and Marion Jepchumba all booked places in their respective finals after impressive performances in the opening round. However, Nancy Jepngetich was disqualified for a lane infringement.
Jepchumba advanced after finishing fifth in Heat Five in 2:07.69. In the men’s event, Pkiach qualified after placing third in Heat One in 1:51.35, while Tajewou won Heat Five in 1:51.19.
Louis Khawel Makhakha bowed out of the men’s 100m after finishing fifth in Heat Eight in 10.51 seconds. Although he did not progress, he made history as the first Kenyan to compete in the men’s 100m at the World Under-20 Championships.
Meanwhile, Mercy Chepngeno Koskey and Anatasha Cheptoo qualified for the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final. Koskey won the opening heat in 9:36.19, while Cheptoo finished second in Heat Two with a time of 9:51.02.