Swift Emily Chebet wins gold at Youth Championships
Emily Chebet (483) leads Valentina Mateiko during Athletics Kenya's 5000m Africa Junior Championships trials on February 18, 2015 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Chebet finished fourth Africa Junior Championships in Ethiopia last month
- Chebet crossed the line 9.10.59 to break the previous championship record of 9.17.52
- Nigeria, who won the overall title (12-9-12) and Ethiopia, who finished third (7-12-7) did not send teams for this year's championships.
Kenya successfully defended its Africa Youth Championships 3,000m title when Emily Chebet crushed the girls’ field in a record-breaking feat in Bambous, Mauritius, on Thursday.
Chebet, who finished fourth at the Africa Junior Championships in Ethiopia last month, crossed the line in 9.10.59 to break the previous championship record of 9.17.52 as Sheila Chelangat completed the 1-2 sweep for Kenya in 9.11.38.
The feat was a repeat of the 2013 championships, where Mercy Chebwogen (9:17.52) and Daisy Jepkemei (9:17.69) reigned supreme.
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Betty Chepkemoi won her heat to qualify for the girl’s 800m final due Friday as Damaris Akoth got disqualified in the girls’ 100m heats after a false start.
Kenyan boys and girls will feature in the 400m semi-finals due Friday. Jane Njoki and Purity Chepkoech will field in women’s event with Josphat Ng’eno and Patrick Mutie battling in boys’ race.
Kenyan runners are favourites in the 1,500m, where Brimin Kiprono and Tarus Kimaru hope to stage a 1-2 sweep on Friday. The duo will be hoping to replicate Robert Biwott's exploits at the inaugural 2013 Championships in Nigeria.
Biwott claimed a double at the event with another victory in the 800m.
Kenya is hoping for an improved performance after they finished fourth during the 2013 event with 11 medals: five gold, four silver and two bronze.
Nigeria, who won the overall title (12-9-12), and Ethiopia, who finished third (7-12-7), did not send teams for this year's championships.
