Kimutai, Moraa, Phanuel sail to 800m semis at World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima

Kenya’s young athletes continue to shine on the global stage, with Commonwealth Youth 800m champion, Kelvin Kimutai Koech, Phanuel Kipkosgei, and African champion, Sarah Moraa, advancing to the semi-finals of the 800 meters at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

Kimutai impressed in Heat 4, clocking 1:49.28 to finish second, behind Tunisia’s Mohamed Karim Amri, who took the top spot with a time of 1:49.21. Kelvin’s strong performance secured him an automatic place in the semi-finals.

Earlier, Phanuel Kipkosgei, the U18 boys’ 5.1km winner at the ISF World Schools Cross Country Championships, clocked 1:50.20 to finish fourth in his heat. Despite missing out on an automatic qualification spot, his time was fast enough to see him advance to the semis.

In the women’s 800m race, African champion, Sarah Moraa, delivered a commanding performance, winning Heat 4 in a time of 2:05.11, ensuring her place in the semi-finals.

Her teammate, Janet Jepkemoi, exited at the preliminary stage after finishing in a disappointing last place with a time of 2:15.94.

Event Schedule (EAT):

3,000m Steeplechase Heats

Women: Diana Chepkemoi, Sharon Chepkemoi (Wed – 12pm)

Men: Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, Ishmael Kipkurui (Wed – 1:25 am)

Women: Mercy Chepkemoi, Sheila Jebet (Wed – 1:55 am)