Kenya track athletes have dominated the ongoing 4th edition of Africa Youth Games in Angola, winning four gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
The multi-sport Africa Youth Games, which run through December 19, are more than just a competition. They serve as part of the qualification pathway for next year’s Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, and Kenya’s impressive show.
The national team is making waves, with the country’s athletes rising to the occasion against fierce competition.
So far, Kenya has bagged impressive medals placing them firmly on the map of the 44-nation competition.
Kenya’s athletes put on a stellar performance, and it all started with David Kapaiko and Caren Chepngeno who won gold medals.
Kapaiko delivered Kenya’s first gold in the boys’ 1500m in 3:52.01 while Chepngeno’s remarkable win in the girls’ 2,000m steeplechase, clocking 6:33.92.
In the girls’ 3,000m final, Lonah Cherono took the silver medal, pushing Kenya’s tally to five. Cherono’s performance was a solid showing, despite tough competition.
In the boys’ 2,000m steeplechase, Jairus Byegon was unstoppable, finishing in 5:39.6 then Vacodi Chemutai also contributed to Kenya’s gold haul, clinching the top spot in the girls’ 800m with a time of 2: 7.09.
In addition to the outstanding performances on track and field, Kenya’s swimmers have also been making history.
The national swimming youth relay team set a new national record, improving their time to 3:57, a significant achievement.
At the same time, Kenya’s beach volleyball ladies’ team also shown great resilience, advancing to the semi-finals after a 2-0 win against hosts Angola.
Medals so far
Gold
- Vicody Chemutai – Gold, 800m
- Caren Chepngeno – Gold, 2000m Steeplechase
- Jairus Kipkorir– Gold, 2000m Steeplechase
- David Kapaiko– Gold, 1500m
Silver
- Lonah Cherono – Silver, 3000m
- Wesley Kiplagat – Silver, 3000m
Bronze
- Millicent Jepkonga – Bronze, 1500m
- Kevin – Bronze, 800m