Reigning World Under-20 Cross Country champion Franklin Kibet Chebet and reigning World Under-20 Cross Country silver medalist Emmanuel Kiprono Kipkorir have returned to the United States in search of more medals at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Oregon.
The duo last competed at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, where Kibet claimed gold in the under-20 race in 23:18, leading Kenya to a remarkable 1-2-3-4 finish.
Kiprono took silver in 23:20, while World Under-20 5,000m champion Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi secured bronze in 23:28. Andrew Kiptoo finished fourth in 23:42, with Edwin Elkana placing 8th in 24:00 as Kenya topped the team standings.
Kibet, a student at Kapkecha High School in West Pokot, is determined to replicate his success on American soil.
“My training has gone well, and I expect to win another gold medal for Kenya in the USA. I really want to give my best,” said Kibet.
Speaking at the team’s training camp in Nairobi, Kiprono said he is targeting his first global title in the 3,000m after settling for silver at the World Cross Country Championships.
“We have had good preparations for the World Championships. I performed well in the World Cross Country Championships by winning silver, but this time I am going for gold and I also want to run my best time,” said Kiprono.
Last year, Kiprono won silver in the 3,000m at the African Under-20 Championships in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
“When I won silver at the World Cross Country Championships, I wasn’t satisfied. This time I really want to win gold. I am thirsty for gold,” he added.
Unlike at the World Cross Country Championships, Kibet and Kiprono will not face each other in Oregon as they will compete in different events. Kibet will line up in the 5,000m, while Kiprono will contest the 3,000m alongside fellow Kenyan Edwin Sanutia Elkana.
Kibet also spoke about balancing academics with athletics.
“I balance my education and training well. We train in the morning, attend classes during the day, and return for another training session at 3 p.m.,” he said.