Moitalel Mpoke claims silver for Kenya

What you need to know:

Zazini Sokwakhana of South Africa won the gold medal after shredding the field to pieces with a gun-to-tape performance.
Bapstiste Christophe from France returned his personal best time of 52.21 for bronze.

Kenya’s Moitalel Mpoke gave Kenya its sixth medal in the 2017 World Under-18 Championships at Kasarani on Saturday afterhe rallied from behind to claim silver in the boys’ 400m hurdles final.

Mpoke dug in, rallying from five places down to go second on the home straight before returning a personal best of 52.06 seconds, losing to battle to South African Zazini Sokwakhana, who clocked 49.27 seconds for gold.

Kenya's Moitalel Mpoke celebrates taking silver in the 400m hurdles final during the IAAF World Under 18 Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on July 15, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

Kenya's Moitalel Mpoke crosses the finish line in the 400m hurdles final during the IAAF World Under 18 Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on July 15, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

Kenya's Moitalel Mpoke clears a hurdle in the 400m hurdles final during the IAAF World Under 18 Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on July 15, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |

Bapstiste Christophe from France returned his personal best time of 52.21 for bronze.

“I took off to a slow start and recovered too late. I really wanted victory but that is what happened,” said Mpoke, who was cheered by a partisan crowd estimated at 45,000 at the 60,000 seater arena.

“I want to thank all those who turned up to cheer us to victory. There is always a next time," said the form four student from Shartuka Secondary School in Kilgoris, who has been inspired by World 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett and Olympic 400m hurdles silver medallist Boniface Mucheru.