By Athletics Kenya Media Team
Rising distance star Frankline Kibet delivered Kenya’s first gold medal at the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, after striking gold in the 5,000m on Thursday morning to get Kenya’s campaign to a strong start.
Kibet lit up Hayward Field with a commanding run to clock in 13:28.27 and storm to the men’s Under-20 5,000m title. He led compatriot Nehemiah Kipng’eno to a memorable Kenyan one-two finish.
Kipng’eno claimed silver in 13:30.09. Ethiopia’s Damitew Kebede settled for bronze in 13:35.38.
Having successfully retained Kenya’s title and captured his second global junior crown, Kibet could not hide his delight.
”I am so happy to have won this championship,” Kibet said.
The victory comes just months after the youngster claimed his maiden global title at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10. In Florida, Kibet clocked 23:18 to spearhead a Kenyan podium sweep, with Emmanuel Kiprono (23:20) and Alamisi (23:28) finishing second and third respectively.
Reflecting on winning two major global titles on American soil, Kibet credited his hard work after his cross-country triumph.
“I was so grateful to be able to win the World Cross Country Championships, and I went back and trained very well. That is why I was able to win this championship,” he said.
Joyline Chepkemoi’s perfomance at World Under-20 Championships
Meanwhile, Joyline Chepkemoi added a bronze medal to Kenya’s tally after an impressive run in the women’s 5,000m final. Chepkemoi produced a personal best of 15:09.08 to finish third behind Uganda’s Charity Cherop, who struck gold in 15:03.88, while Ethiopia’s Shito Gumi claimed silver in 15:07.91.
Despite narrowly missing out on gold, Chepkemoi was pleased with her podium finish.
“I have done well, so I am so happy. I was not expecting this, but I have done well,” Chepkemoi said. She also paid tribute to everyone who has supported her throughout her junior career.
I am proud of my country, and I thank everybody who supports us.”
Among those she reserved special appreciation for was world 5,000m and 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet, whom she regards as her mentor.
“I want to thank my mentor Beatrice Chebet, and I would like to tell her I will run like her,” she said.
