Youth Olympics: Abigail Kosgei, Enock Tuitoek Strike Double Gold As Kenya Make Flying Start In Dakar

By Athletics Kenya Media Team

Kenya opened its Youth Olympics athletics campaign on a high after Abigail Kosgei and Enock Tuitoek struck gold on Sunday, giving the country’s young athletes a flying start at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

‎Kosgei was the first to strike, storming to victory in the women’s 2,000m steeplechase in 6:30.24. ‎Ethiopia’s Tsedikan Mekonen settled for silver in 6:32.15, while Turkiye’s Elif Celik completed the podium in 6:36.99.

‎Tuitoek then followed suit in the men’s 3,000m, producing a well-timed finishing kick to fend off a determined Ethiopian challenge and secure Kenya’s second athletics gold of the evening.

‎The youngster crossed the finish line in 8:07.69, narrowly holding off Goytom Mekonen, who clocked 8:08.24 to take silver, while France’s Meziane Benhammou claimed bronze in 8:11.59.

‎It was also another milestone for the youngster, who had earlier demonstrated his potential by winning the men’s 3,000m at the ANOCA Youth Games held at Kenyatta University in Nairobi.

Kenya’s performance at Youth Olympics

‎National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) first vice-president Barnaba Korir, who also serves as Athletics Kenya’s chair of youth development, hailed the youngsters’ performances, describing them as evidence that the country’s investment in nurturing emerging talent was beginning to bear fruit.

‎“Kenya has made a strong statement at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, with Abigail Kosgei and Enock Tuitoek delivering two outstanding gold-medal performances,” said Korir.

‎“From Kericho County to Kabarnet, Baringo County, these victories tell a powerful story of emerging talent, dedicated coaching and determination,”

‎Korir noted that the performances were an indication of the investment in developing young talent.

‎“I am particularly encouraged that these performances demonstrate how our investment in identifying, nurturing and supporting young athletes is beginning to deliver results. Our responsibility is to strengthen these pathways and ensure that more young athletes get the opportunity to progress to the highest levels of international competition,” he added.

‎Following Sunday’s double-gold triumph, Team Kenya returns to action with fresh opportunities to extend its medal-winning run.

Which races can Kenya win at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games?

Faith Cherotich of Lemotit Athletics Camp leads the charge in the women’s 3,000m final, where she will be hoping to add another gold medal to Kenya’s growing collection.

‎Wesley Kiplagat of St Francis Kimuron will also be out to make his mark in the men’s 2,000m steeplechase final, while David Kapaiko of Lions of Judah Senior School in Makueni will be chasing a place in the men’s 800m final when he lines up in the semi-finals.

‎The three youngsters will be carrying Kenya’s hopes of another fruitful evening as the country’s next generation of distance-running stars seek to extend its dominance on the global stage.

‎Monday’s action gets underway with Kiplagat taking to the track at 5:46 pm, followed by Cherotich at 6:03 pm, while Kapaiko will be in action at 7:10 pm (Kenyan time).