Ethiopians sweep 1500m medals, Jebitok claims bronze

Kenya's Edinah Jebitok (left) cuts a dejected figure as Ethiopia's Lemlem Hailu and Sindu Girma celebrate at the end of the girls 1500m final during the IAAF World Under 18 Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on July 15, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Jebitok swung to the lead with 600m to go but Ethiopians Lemlem Hailu and Sindu Girma caught up with her at the last bend.
  • Efforts by the class seven pupil at Keringet Estate Primary School to catch up with the sprightly Ethiopians proved futile as she settled for bronze in 4:23.16.

Kenya’s Edina Jebitok and Rachel Nzangi fell short in their efforts to halt Ethiopia’s dominance in 1,500m when Jebitok settled for bronze at the World Under-18 Championships on Saturday at Kasarani.

Jebitok swung to the lead with 600m to go but Ethiopians Lemlem Hailu and Sindu Girma caught up with her at the last bend.

Efforts by the class seven pupil at Keringet Estate Primary School to catch up with the sprightly Ethiopians proved futile as she settled for bronze in 4:23.16.

Hailu claimed gold, the country's third consecutive victory after 2013 Donetsk and 2015 Cali in 4:20.80, as Girma went for silver medal in 4:22.14.

Nzangi came in fourth in 4:24.70.

“I had a slight injury but my focus was on victory. I think I broke early and run out of gas,” said Jebitok, who has been inspired by Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich. “I shall take revenge at next year’s World Under-20 God willing.”

It was Kenya’s third medal of the day after Dominic Samson claimed bronze in boys' 10,000m race walk with Moitalel Mpoke going for another silver in boys’ 400m hurdles.

It brought Kenya’s tally to eight medals; two gold, four silver and two bronze.