Sheila Chepkirui bags gold for Kenya in South Africa
What you need to know:
- The result was a replica of the National Championships in May where Chepkirui prevailed with Chelimo coming in second.
- Abraham Kibiwott and Phenus Kiplenting have the onus of upholding Kenya’s legacy in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at 7.20pm.
- On Saturday, African Games and Africa Cross Country champion Alice Aprot will be eying to add another feather to her continental crown when she leads Jackline Chepngeno and Joyline Jepkosgei in women’s 10,000m final at 8.30pm.
Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui set a new championship record with victory in the women’s 5,000m final at the ongoing Africa Athletics Championships at Kings Park, Durban on Thursday.
The 25-year-old Kenya Defence Forces officer struck Kenya’s first gold when she clocked 15 minutes and 05.45 seconds to erase the previous championships record time of 15:32.72 set by Ethiopia’ Almaz Ayana during the 2014 event in Marrakech.
Chepkirui took the lead from the gun pulling African Games 5,000m champion Margaret Chelimo along to claim silver in 15:07.56 as the Kenyan duo controlled the race for a 1-2 finish by Kenya.
Their arch-rivals from Ethiopia Yami Dera, Hayile Meskere and Gebremaedin Kida were left struggling with Dera managing bronze in 15:15.26.
The result was a replica of the National Championships in May where Chepkirui prevailed with Chelimo coming in second.
“It’s a good and gradual rise for me. Were ready for this battle and I thank God it went our way,” said Chepkirui. “When you are well prepared you really don’t worry about your rivals.”
The performance brought to three the medals won by Kenya after Wilfred Kimitei won silver in men’s 10,000m on the opening day of the championships on Wednesday.
However, it was not a good day on Thursday for Kenya when their only survivor in 800m Boaz Kiprugut was disqualified in the semis allegedly for stepping on the opponent's lane before the 100m curve.
In the sprints, Margaret Nyairera (400metres), Boniface Mucheru (400metres hurdles), Alfas Kishoyian (400m) and Harun Koech (400m hurdles) sailed into the finals of their respective events due Friday evening.
The women's 1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, 400m, 400m hurdles and men’s 400m hurdles finals will go down on Friday evening.
In women’s 1,500m, Judy Kiyeng, the younger sister of World 3,000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng, and World Relay medley silver medallist Selah Jepleting will fly Kenya’s flag in women’s 1,500m final at 7.55pm.
Abraham Kibiwott and Phenus Kiplenting have the onus of upholding Kenya’s legacy in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at 7.20pm.
On Saturday, African Games and Africa Cross Country champion Alice Aprot will be eying to add another feather to her continental crown when she leads Jackline Chepngeno and Joyline Jepkosgei in women’s 10,000m final at 8.30pm.
