Kenyans primed to maintain unique tradition in steeplechase
What you need to know:
- Men’s 4x400m relay team will wrap up Kenya’s medal hunt at 7.50pm on Sunday.
IN BYDGOSZCZ, POLAND
World Youth 2,000m champion Vincent Kipyegon and Amos Kirui have the onus of upholding Kenya’s strong tradition in the water and barrier race when men’s 3,000m steeplechase final at the World Under-20 Championships is held on Sunday at 5:20pm.
At the same time, Wilfred Mbithe and Joyline Cherotich will be looking for their first victories when the women’s 1,500m final begins at 5.45pm.
World and Commonwealth Youth 800m champion Willy Tarbei and World Youth 800m silver medallist Kipyegon Bett were due for action in the 800m semi-finals Saturday evening.
Men’s 4x400m relay team will wrap up Kenya’s medal hunt at 7.50pm on Sunday.
Kipyegon, the Africa Youth champion and Kirui, who won Youth Olympics silver and Africa Youth Olympics bronze medals last year, are seeking, not only to hand Kenya its 16th consecutive title, but fourth straight 1-2 finish in the event.
Kenya has won all the gold medals in the event since William Chemitei’s victory in the second edition of the championships in 1988 in Sudbury, Canada.
The reigning Commonwealth 3,000m champion Jonathan Muia Ndiku is al primed for the race.
“We have done our best and what is remaining is for Kenyans to pray for us,” said Kiyegon.
Kipyegon cruised to victory in 8:37.20 in the second semi-final heat, nearly two seconds clear of Ethiopian Kidanemariam Dessie (8:39.05) while Kirui settled second in 8:44.32, just a step behind Ethiopian Getnet Wale in 8:43.92.
“A fast –paced race will be good for us,” said Japan-based Kirui. “I have and good at the barriers but I have polished my speed on the stretch.”
Yemane Haileselassie of Eritrea, the year’s second fastest coming in to Bydgoszcz at 8:22.52, and Mohamed Ismail Ibrahim of Djibouti, who arrived in Poland with sub-8:24 credentials, should give the pack some good challenge.
Mbithe, 19, has represented Kenya nine times since making her debut in 2012 at but has silver medals from last year’s Youth Olympics and this year’s Africa Cross Country. She finished seventh at 2014 Africa Cross and 10th at the 2015 World Cross. “I think it’s my time but I leave everything to God,” said Mbithe. Kenya won the metric mile race title last in 2012 Barcelona through Faith Chepng’etich but lost it in 2014 to Ethiopia.
