By Athletics Kenya Media Team
A 23-athlete squad has been selected to fly the Kenyan flag at the World Under-20 Championships scheduled for August 5–9 in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
The team was named following two days of fierce competition and high-octane action at Nyayo National Stadium, where emerging stars battled relentlessly for coveted tickets to the global showpiece.
Leading Kenya’s charge to Oregon are World U20 cross country champion Frankline Kibet and African U18 3,000m champion Cynthia Chepkurui.
The squad boasts formidable distance-running depth, also featuring Mercy Chepng’eno, fresh from clinching silver at the African Championships in Accra, Ghana, alongside African U20 3,000m bronze medallist Joyline Chepkemoi.
Athletics Kenya senior vice president Paul Mutwii hailed the smooth organisation of the two-day trials, which produced a series of thrilling duels as athletes fought tooth and nail for national team places.
“This has been a well-organised event to select the team that will represent us in the USA,” he said.
How did Kenya perform in 2024 World Under-20 Championships?
Mutwii challenged the youthful squad to raise the bar and return with an even stronger medal haul than the Kenyan contingent that competed at the previous edition in Lima, Peru, in 2024.
“Last year, we finished fifth overall, so your duty is to do better than that and bring home more medals,” he said.
In Peru, Kenya finished fifth overall with seven medals (three gold, three silver and one bronze).
USA, with 16 medals, topped the standings ahead of China (11) and Ethiopia (10).
Mutwii expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver standout performances on the world stage.
“From what we have seen, all the selected athletes have the potential to post good results for the country.”
“In your individual events, ensure you give your best and fight for first place. It is very much possible,” he said.
He further wished the squad success as they sharpen preparations for the global showdown.
“I wish all of you success as you travel to represent Kenya.”
What AK said about Kenya’s team to World Under-20 Championships
AK Youth Development chairman Barnaba Korir emphasised that the selected squad had met all the necessary age eligibility requirements.
“This is a very young team and I am confident we will not have any issues concerning age manipulation.”
Korir, who also serves as the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) first vice president, rallied the team ahead of their Eugene mission.
“We wish you all the best as you go to represent Kenya. You are carrying our flag and continuing Kenya’s dominance on the global stage,” he said.
However, Korir clarified that the full travelling delegation to Eugene is yet to be unveiled, with the coaching staff and team manager still to be named.
“We did not name the whole team. The coaches and team manager will be announced at a later date.”
AK safeguarding chairlady Elizabeth Keitany also congratulated the selected athletes while urging them to rise to the occasion in Eugene.
“I congratulate the team. You did very well to earn your places. We need you to fly our nation’s flag high when you go out there,” she said.
Kenya’s World U20 Championships Team – Eugene 2026
5,000m Girls:
- Cynthia Chepkurui
- Joyline Chepkemoi
5,000m Boys:
- Nehemiah Kipng’eno
- Frankline Kibet
3,000m Boys:
- Emmanuel Kiprono
- Elkanah Sanutia
3,000m Girls:
- Faith Cherotich
- Mercy Chepng’eno
1,500m Girls:
- Josephine Sembeyo
- Caren Chepchirchir
1,500m Boys:
- Wilson Chepkwech
- David Kapaiko
3,000m Steeplechase Girls:
- Anatasha Cheptoo
- Mercy Chepng’eno
3,000m Steeplechase Boys:
- Emmanuel Lemiso
- Nicholas Kitum
800m Girls:
- Nancy Chepng’etich
- Nancy Kibet
800m Boys:
- Nashon Pkiach
- Collins Tentera
100m Boys:
- Louis Khawel
400m Girls:
- Nancy Kibet
- Judith Sapato
