Two Chebets too hot to handle in 10k
Sandra Chebet, 17, (left) and her twin sister Emily Chebet battle it out during the Athletics Kenya Weekend Meeting 10,000m women’s race on May 22, 2015 at Kipchoge Keino Stadium. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |
What you need to know:
- The 17-year-old Sandra won the African Youth Championship 2,000 meters steeplechase in Mauritius this year
- Emily, the African Youth 3,000 metres champion, finished second in 34.53.37.
Up and coming Sandra Chebet showed scant respect for the established order to win the women’s 10,000 metres yesterday as the Athletics Kenya Eldoret track and field meet ended at the refurbished Kipchoge Keino Stadium.
The 17-year-old Sandra, who won the African Youth Championship 2,000 meters steeplechase in Mauritius this year, showed that age is just a number as she ran with aplomb to cross the line at a packed Kipchoge stadium in 34.51.6, a personal best over the distance.
Her victory came barely a week after winning the 10,000m during the AK Kisii meet. Sandra’s star is clearly rising. She only a month back grabbed an Africa Youth record of 6.20.47 in Mauritius. She led her “twin sister” and training partner Emily Chebet, who also set a record over the distance in the African event in April.
Emily, the African Youth 3,000 metres champion, finished second in 34.53.37.
“I entered the race just to give morale to my cousin and training partner, and never intended to finish,” said Emily.
Lucy Cheruiyot, who competed at the national trials for the World Championships last year, followed in fourth place in 35.57.1. Beatrice Cherop came in fifth in 36.41.4 and Salome Chepchumba at sixth place in 37.00.4. Elijah Kipchirchir had the fastest time in the men’s 5,000 metres heats and was ranked first.
