Kenya's 1,500m rising stars target World U20 glory in Oregon

This is a significant shift from the 2022 championships in Cali, Colombia, where Kenya secured both titles through Reynold Cheruiyot and Brenda Chebet.

A new quartet of athletes is heading to the 21st edition of the championship, scheduled for Augus 5–9 in Eugene, Oregon, to change this narrative.

The Women's squad features reigning African Under-18 champion Caren Chepchirchir from Nala Track Club and Josephine Sembeyu from Magnolia Athletics Camp, who will fly the Kenyan flag in the 1,500m race.

Head coach Robert Ngisirei expressed confidence in the team, which is scheduled to depart for the global championship early next month.

“There was a race we were supposed to participate in before the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, but it was cancelled so that we could take part in the trials for the upcoming World Championship. I am also grateful to have had a taste of competing in the Diamond League, and now, as we head to Oregon, I hope to return with a medal and improve my personal best time,” said Chepchirchir.

Sembeyu, who began running four years ago, aims to leverage her recent victory at the national trials to secure a global medal.

“This year has been excellent for me, and now that I have made this squad for the first time, I am going to fight hard so I don’t return empty-handed, and instead make a name for myself in the annals of youth racing, both nationally and globally,” said Sembeyu.

The Men's squad includes 2025 African Youth Games champion David Kapaiko and Wilson Chepkoech are tasked with reestablishing Kenya's presence on the global youth stage in Oregon.

“I believe I have the ability to bring gold to my country. I know it is the World Championship, but I have faith and hope that I will succeed, by God's grace. My challenge used to be the final 100 meters, but I have worked on that, and I hope to succeed,” said Kapaiko.

Kapaiko who hails from Mashuru, Kajiado county is keen to emulate world bronze medalist Reynold Cheruiyot but first aims to reduce his time to 3 minutes and 33 seconds.

Meanwhile, Wilson Chepkoech has transitioned from the 800m to focus on the 1,500m, setting his sights on both a medal and a world record in the U.S.

“I ran the 800m because I was looking to build on my speed, but now I ready for the 1500m; last year I set a personal best of 3:40 and even participated in the East African championships,” said Chepkoech.

All four athletes share the long-term ambition of reaching the podium at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Head coach Robert Ngisirei expressed confidence in the team, which is scheduled to depart for the global championship early next month.

“If God helps us this year, we will win more than ten medals in total. We want to return to where we were before, and that is why we are aiming for more than ten medals. Even though the Americans are competing on home soil, we will put up a fight,” said coach Ngisirei.

This effort follows Kenya's performance at the 2024 World Under-20 Athletics edition, where the country secured fifth place overall with seven medals: three gold, three silver, and one bronze.