Kipkurui, Alamisi to lead Kenya's medal quest at World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima

World Cross Country Under-20 champion, Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui, and Commonwealth Youth Games silver medalist, Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, are set to spearhead Kenya's medal hunt as the World Athletics Under-20 Championships tonight at Estadio Atlético de la Videna in Lima, Peru.

Kipkurui, a Form Four student at Sinonin Secondary School, Baringo County, will join forces with Alamisi, a student at St. Peter’s Keberesi Secondary School, Kisii County, in the men’s 5000m final on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, which promises to be a thrilling contest for the youngsters.

“I thank God we arrived in Lima safely yesterday. We hope for the best as the competition kicks off tonight,” said Kipkurui.

On his part, Alamisi expressed confidence that their training is adequate to earn them a podium finish in the championships.

“According to the training we’ve had, we must be on the medal bracket. Where we’ve reached, it’s just to put God first.” 

In the women's race, Mercy Chepkemoi and Sheila Jebet, both Form Three students at Tiloa Mixed Secondary School, will aim to end Kenya's six-year gold drought in the 5000m final.

Chepkemoi finished sixth at the 2024 Africa Athletics Championships in Cameroon and placed 12th at the World Cross Country Championships held in Serbia this past March.

“I have bee training with my colleague and we’ve developed great teamwork. We are confident of ensuring the gold medal returns to Kenya time time round,” said Chepkemoi.

Kenya's last gold medal in the women's 5000m at the World Athletics U20 Championships was secured by the current world 10,000m record holder, Beatrice Chebet, during the 2018 edition in Tampere, Finland, where she clocked 15:30.77.

In other events, Kenyan athletes will compete in the 800m heats, with African champion Sarah Moraa and Janet Jepkemoi leading the team in the women’s category.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Youth 800m champion Kelvin Kimutai will team up with Phanuel Kipkosgei, the U18 boys’ 5.1km race winner at the ISF World Schools Cross Country Championship, in the men's heats.

The 3,000m steeplechase heats will see 19-year-old Diana Chepkemoi, who trains at the Lemotit Training Camp under coach Paul Kemei, representing Kenya after her impressive performance at the ISF U18 World Cross Country Championships.

Chepkemoi, a student at Saramek High School in Londiani, Kericho County, is determined to make up for missing out on the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia earlier this year. Sharon Chepkemoi will also represent Kenya in the steeplechase heats.

Kenya is aiming to surpass its performance at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, where they finished fourth overall with 10 medals (3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze). Ethiopia (12 medals), Jamaica (16 medals), and the USA (15 medals) finished ahead of Kenya.

Kenya event schedule (EAT):

800m Heats

Men: Kelvin Kimutai Koech, Phanuel Kipkosgei (Tue – 8 pm)

Women: Sarah Moraa, Janet Jepkemoi (Tue – 8:55 pm)

3,000m Steeplechase Heats

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

5,000m Finals

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

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