By Jonathan Komen
Nairobi, Kenya: Newcomer Lilian Kasait stunned world junior 3,000m champion Mercy Chebwogen at the eighth IAAF World Youth Championships’ national trials.
Roseline Chepng’etich, seventh at the world cross-country juniors in Bydgosczcz, Poland, last March, also served Africa Youth 2,000m steeplechase champion Daisy Chepkemei with an equal dose in the water and barriers race at the Nyayo National Stadium on Wednesday.
Newcomer Alfred Kipketer, a student at Kosirai High in Nandi County, proved he was no push-over as he felled Africa Youth champion Robert Biwott and freshly-minted star Joshua Masikonde in 800m contest, posting a brilliant 1:46.2.
Edwin Melly, the continental youth 2,000m steeplechase winner, lost the ticket to new talents Kiptanui Bett and Justus Kipkorir as Athletics Kenya named a 20-member squad to the IAAF World Youth Championships that runs in Donetsk, Ukraine, from July 10-14.
Chebowen, who is a student at Winners Girls High School, eyes the youth 3,000m silver Donetsk, Ukraine.
“We want to reclaim the title that Kenya lost in France in 2011,” said Chebwogen, who missed out a slot in the world cross-country team.
Chepng’etich, a Standard Eight pupil at Tulyo Primary in Kuresoi, was grateful for her maiden track outing.
“I did not perform well in world cross-country, but I will give my best in Ukraine to retain the title,” she said.
But Chepkemei, the younger sister to reigning World Youth 2,000m steeplechase champion and championship record holder Norah Jeruto, had a different view.
“I expected to win here despite the common cold flu I am battling. I must win gold in Ukraine and improve my sister’s record. I will put the record a priority,” said Chepkemei, a Form One Student at Mokwo Girls in Keiyo South.
Chepng’etich (6:12.0), Chepkemei (6:27.7) and Africa Youth silver medallist Stella Ruto (6:33.8) sealed top-three spots as Esther Muthoni (6:47.0) and Fancy Chepkirui (6:48.4) followed.
Agnes Mulei (2:06.8) carried the girls’ 800m title ahead of national secondary schools champion Jarinter Mawia (2:07.3) and Vivian Chepng’eno (2:07.6).
Mulei said: “I was locked up into the leading pack during the heats and my coach gave me winning tips. I am happy I could rectify the mistakes. I want to win gold in Ukraine.”
In the men’s front, Kipketer won 800m in 1:46.2 ahead of Patrick Rono (1:46.6) and Weldon Ng’etich (1:48.7). Hot favourite Joshua Masikonde (1:51.0) came fourth.
Kipketer, who picked his maiden his maiden track ticket, said: “I never expected to beat Masikonde. I want to emulate former schoolmates Mathew Kisorio and Conseslus Kipruto.”
Edwin Melly, the continental youth 2,000m steeplechase winner, lost the ticket to new talents Kiptanui Bett and Justus Kipkorir.
Bett won in 5:29.2, outsmarting Kipkorir (5:31.6) and James Ndiwa (5:40.5).
The team will report YMCA South C on Friday next for a residential training camp and depart for Ukraine on July 5.
