African U-20 champion Jepng'etich targets world glory in Oregon

Reigning African Under-20 800m champion Nancy Jepng'etich is determined to crown her junior career with a world title as she prepares to represent Kenya at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Oregon, USA, from August 5 to 9.

Jepng'etich is among the 23 athletes currently in residential training at Kasarani, where Team Kenya is fine-tuning preparations ahead of the global showpiece. The squad comprises 12 boys and 11 girls.

The 19-year-old, who claimed the African Under-20 title in Abeokuta, Nigeria, last year, will partner Marion Jepchumba in Kenya's bid to retain the women's 800m crown won by Sarah Moraa at the 2024 World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

With a personal best of 2:00.01, Jepng'etich says the training camp has sharpened her speed and boosted her confidence heading into the championships.

“Since leaving camp and coming to Nairobi for residential training, we have significantly improved our speed, which wasn't quite at the required level, but now we are in good shape. I won a gold medal in Africa, and now I hope to do the same in Oregon,” said Jepng’etich.

The Nala Track Club athlete has enjoyed an impressive rise over the past year. Besides winning continental gold, she also claimed silver in the Under-20 race at this year's Kip Keino Classic, cementing her place among Kenya's brightest middle-distance prospects.

Jepng'etich says her victory in Nigeria convinced her she could compete with the world's best.

“It was after returning from Nigeria that I gained the motivation and realized I could actually compete at the highest level. I went back to camp to train and managed to qualify to represent Kenya in the upcoming World Championship, where I hope to perform well.”

To further improve her endurance and speed, Jepng'etich has also stepped up to compete in senior races, including the Rabat Diamond League, where she clocked a personal best of 4:03.90 in the 1,500m.

As she prepares for her final appearance at the World Under-20 Championships, the youngster says she is determined to leave the junior ranks on a high.

“I want to finish my Under-20 campaign on a high note, and I want to assure Kenyans that I won’t let them down when I get there. I will try my best.”