• ATHLETICS

• Frank Rotich 1 hr ago

Athletics Kenya unveils strong team for World Under-20 Championships in Eugene

Athletics Kenya (AK) has named a strong 23-member team that will represent the country at the World Under-20 Championships set for August 5 to 9 in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

The team was selected after two days of competitive trials held at Nyayo National Stadium, where hundreds of young athletes battled for places in Team Kenya.

Leading the squad are World Under-20 cross country champion Frankline Kibet and African Under-18 3,000m champion Cynthia Chepkurui.

The squad also includes several rising stars in middle and long-distance races. Mercy Chepng’eno, who recently won silver at the African Championships in Accra, and African Under-20 bronze medallist Joyline Chepkemoi are among the athletes expected to shine in Eugene.

AK Senior Vice President Paul Mutwii praised the organisation of the trials and challenged the athletes to improve on Kenya’s performance from the last edition held in Lima, Peru, in 2024.

Kenya finished fifth overall in Peru with seven medals — three gold, three silver and one bronze.

Mutwii urged the athletes to aim higher and fight for more medals in the United States. He said the selected athletes had shown great potential during the trials and expressed confidence that they could deliver strong performances for the country on the world stage.

AK Youth Development chairman Barnaba Korir also backed the youthful squad, saying the team fully meets the required age eligibility standards.

Korir encouraged the athletes to carry the Kenyan flag with pride and continue the country’s dominance in athletics.

He, however, noted that the full travelling delegation, including coaches and team managers, will be announced later.

AK’s Safeguarding chairlady Elizabeth Keitany congratulated the athletes for earning their places in the national team and urged them to represent Kenya well in Eugene.

 

Kenya’s Team for the World Under-20 Championships

Women 5,000m: Cynthia Chepkurui, Joyline Chepkemoi

Men 5,000m: Nehemiah Kipng’eno, Frankline Kibet

Women 3,000m: Faith Cherotich, Mercy Chepng’eno

Men 3,000m: Emmanuel Kiprono, Elkanah Sanutia

Women 3,000m Steeplechase: Anatasha Cheptoo, Mercy Chepng’eno

Men 3,000m Steeplechase: Emmanuel Lemiso, Nicholas Kitum

Women 1,500m: Josephine Sembeyo, Caren Chepchirchir

Men 1,500m: Wilson Chepkwech, David Kapaiko

Women 800m: Nancy Chepng’etich, Nancy Kibet

Men 800m: Nashon Pkiach, Collins Tentera

Women 400m: Nancy Kibet, Judith Sapato

Men 100m: Louis Khawel