Kenyans Franklin Kibet and Mercy Aregae won silver and bronze at the 2026 Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone Five Youth Games.
Kenyans trained behind Africa Youth Games silver medallist Akimana Donath of Rwanda and Ethiopia’s Legese Selemon Gebreselasi who were crowned champions of the individual time trial cycling.
Riders tackled the Old Thika Road loop between Delview Junction and Makenji, with Rwanda and Ethiopia maintaining their dominance, just as they did at the CAC Africa Road Championships.
Selemon claimed the men’s 20km title after stopping the clock at 27:04. Kenya’s Franklin Kibet won silver in 29:18, while Rwanda’s Shema Emmanuel completed the podium in 29:22.
Only six riders competed in the men’s event, with the cyclists completing two laps of the course. Kenya’s Mevin Njuguna finished fourth in 30:01, followed by Geoffrey Chege Mburu in 30:32 and Victor Ngugi Githae in sixth place with a time of 30:48.
“I want to thank the organisers for giving us the stage to show our talents, and winning here is a plus for my career. The win is good for me as I prepare to compete at the Youth Olympic Games. I have gained much endurance and I am ready for the world,” said Selemon.
Competing at this level for the first time, 17-year-old Kibet was delighted to win silver as he looks forward to making an impact in other major competitions.
“I am happy to win silver in my first race for the Kenya Cycling Federation. This is an achievement and a motivation. My training has been good with Amani, and that is why I managed to finish in second position. Together with my coach, we are happy with the results. Competing here has given me experience for future events. For us Kenyans to perform well, we need to support young riders,” said Kibet.
In the women’s 10km event, Donath claimed gold after crossing the finish line in 14:56. Ethiopia’s Mahder Desta Niguse took silver in 14:59, while Kenya’s Aregae settled for bronze in 16:19.
The Rwandan national champion said she was determined to win her first gold medal after previously winning silver and bronze at the Africa Youth Games in Angola.
“I was so focused on winning gold. Rwanda is doing well in sports, especially cycling, and we are given opportunities to compete in major competitions at both local and international levels. The exposure is good for young Rwandans. Winning today gives me more energy as I prepare for the Youth Olympic Games,” said Donath.
Aregae, an Africa School Games bronze medallist in Algeria, is optimistic of improving her performances when she lines up at the Youth Olympic Games.
“I am proud of my position and my results. For now, my work is to train for the Youth Olympics,” said Aregae, a Grade 10 student at Tendwa Girls in Uasin Gishu County.
Her counterpart, Sharon Cheruiyot, also expressed confidence ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
“My competition has been good and I am proud of it. For the Youth Olympics, I have been training well and I qualified for the Games. Going forward, I want to maintain my training and secure good results. I was motivated to take up cycling by my mother,” said Cheruiyot.
All results
10km women
- Akimana Donath (RWA) 14:56
- Mahder Desta Niguse (ETH) 14:59
- Mercy Eragae (KEN) 16:19
- Jacinta Namubiru (UGA) 18:44
- Sharon Cheruiyot (KEN) 20:15
- Naomi Jeptanui (KEN) 21:33
- Linda Ochola (KEN) 22:27
20km men
- Legese Selemon Gebreslesie (ETH) 27:04
- Franklin Kibet (KEN) 29:18
- Shema Emmanuel (RWA) 29:22
- Mevin Njuguna (KEN) 30:01
- Geoffrey Chege Mburu (30:32)
- Victor Ngugi Githae (KEN) 30:48