Chepng’etich chases more glory

Rosefline Chepng’etich during the 2,000 metres women’s steeplechase National Youths trials at Nyayo Stadium on May 8. Chepng’etich showed class and talent to effortlessly win her 2,000m steeplechase heat to qualify for the final at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Kenya’s Gilbert Kwemoi (3:45.39) is in men’s 1,500m second heat and boasts the best time in the that field. Athletes to watch in the heats are James Sugira (Rwanda) 3:56.95 and Rodrigue Biziyaremye (Burundi) 3:49.24.
  • Ethiopian Mulugeta Assefa (3:46.84) is favourite in the first 1,500m heat that will involve Moroccan Mostafa Smaili (3:47.99) and Braydon Rennie from Canada with personal best 3:50.74.

The 2013 World Youth 2,000m steeplechase gold medallist Roseline Chepng’etich is targeting another medal to continue enriching her collection at the ongoing Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

Chepng’etich , who collected silver in 3,000m steeplechase at the World Junior Championships in July is favourite to win the Youth Olympics 2,000m steeplechase title.

The 17-year-old takes to the track at 2.20pm (Kenyan time) in the women’s heat that also has Mamo Zewdenesh from Ethiopia as her main challenger. 
Chepng’etich has a personal best 6:12.0 in the 2,000m steeplechase while Zewdenesh boast of 6:24.59. The heats have 17 entrants.

Amos Kirui (5:39.23) will run in the men’s 2,000m steeplechase heats at 2pm in a contest that has Ethiopian Sebsibe Wegene (5:35.86) and Moroccan Chemlal Hicham (5:32.92), who are also favourites to qualify.

Kenya’s Gilbert Kwemoi (3:45.39) is in men’s 1,500m second heat and boasts the best time in the that field. Athletes to watch in the heats are James Sugira (Rwanda) 3:56.95 and Rodrigue Biziyaremye (Burundi) 3:49.24.

Ethiopian Mulugeta Assefa (3:46.84) is favourite in the first 1,500m heat that will involve Moroccan Mostafa Smaili (3:47.99) and Braydon Rennie from Canada with personal best 3:50.74.

Meanwhile, Moses Koech and Jackline Chepkoech yesterday qualified from their respective heats to the men and women’s 3,000m finals.
Just like at the Africa Youth, Koech finished second behind World Youth champion Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha Kejelcha in 8:06.50. Kejelcha clocked 8:05.85 to lead the qualification.        

STIFF COMPETITION    

Kipkoech , the Africa silver medallist, finished fifth in personal best 9:08.54 in the heat won by Fatuma Jawaro Chebsi from Bahrain (9:06.87-PB) followed by Africa Youth champion Berhan Demiesa (Ethiopia) 9:07.05-PB.

Meanwhile, Kenya Sevens junior team, popularly known as Chipu, finished fourth overall at the Youth Olympics rugby competition after losing 12-0 to Fiji in the bronze medal match.

France won the gold medal with a 45-22 win over Argentina. The USA defeated Japan 29-12 to claim fifth place. Chipu head coach, Paul Murunga said he was proud of his side’s performance despite not winning a medal. 

“They held their own against better prepared opponents and this team has shown what Kenya is capable of,” said Murunga. He added that if his squad was kept together, nurtured and exposed, they could definitely attain great heights.

Kenya had earlier finished fourth at the close of round robin play to play Argentina in the semi-final that they lost 19-12.

Ian Mutuku also qualified for the men’s 400m finals after finishing second in the third heat in 47.56 behind Karabo Sibanda  (Botswana) 47.43.

Kenya’s  Agnes Mulee eased through to women’s 800m final despite clocking 2:10.26 to finish second behind Italian  Elena Bellò (2:08.99).