Taki, Bett lead team to Poland as Kenya names squad for World Junior games in Bydgoszcz

Kumari Taki wins the 1500m men during the National Junior Trials Championship at Nyayo stadium on June 22, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

World 1,500m youth champion Kumari Taki and 2014 World 1,500m junior bronze medallist Winfred Mbithe will lead Kenya’s medal hunt in the IAAF World Junior Championships in Bydgoszcz from July 19-24.

The duo was victorious as Athletics Kenya yesterday named a 24-man team to the games after a two-day high octane national trials at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Taki outpaced his rivals with 150m to go in an interesting 1500m final to stop the clock at 3:38.8 and book his ticket ahead of Edwin Kiptoo (3:39.0) and Anthony Kiptoo, who completed the podium finish in 3:39.5.

In the corresponding women’s race, world junior bronze medalist Wilfred Mbithe eased to victory with a 4:18.25 finish ahead of Joyline Cherotich (4:19.49) and Miriam Cherop (4:21.21).

Mbithe said she will be seeking to improve on her 2014 Oregon bronze medal performance.

“It feels good to finish top here today. I won gold at the youth level and now my focus is on finishing top in junior, before graduating to the senior level. I hope for a better performance in Poland next month.” said Taki.

In another highlight of the day, Kipyegon Bett prevailed in men’s 800m final, edging out the World Youth champion Willy Tarbei in a time of 1:44.4. Tarbei clocked 1:45.2, while Wycliffe Kinyamal returned 1:46.8 in third place.

Coached by the veteran track coach Japheth Kimei, Bett, who is also the younger brother of Commonwealth Games champion Purity Cherotich, hopes to continue with the same form in Poland.

“I’m satisfied with my win here and I hope to produce the same performance during the Junior Championships,” said Bett.

It was a nervy race in the women’s 800m final, where Betty Chepng’eno won in 2:04.8 ahead of Josephine Chelagat (2:05.0) and Lilian Odira (2:07.8).

Fast-rising world youth silver medalist Sandra Felis Chebet was in a class of her own as she clocked 9:02.0 to win the 3,000m race. Sheila Chelangat finished second in 9:11.6, while Betty Chepkemoi (9:23.1) was third.

Most athletes selected to represent the country took part in the IAAF World Youth Championship in Cali, Colombia in 2015.

The team reports to residential camp on June 26 at Milele Hotel, Nairobi.