Following in Yego's steps: World Under-18 trials start at Nyayo

Cynthia Chebet after in action during the World under 18 Championship trials at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO

Schoolgirl Chebet makes baby steps in javelin, enough to surpass the qualifying mark.

There was no turning back for athletes as the two-day selection process for the IAAF World Under-18 championships began yesterday at Nyayo Stadium.

More than 400 athletes are seeking tickets to the championships.

The trials, which are meant for youth between 16-17 years, will see the first two finishers get the nod to represent Kenya at the global event to be held between July 12-16 at Kasarani Stadium.

At the same time, a panel of selectors are conducting trials for the Africa Under-20 assignment that will be held between June 29 and July 2 in Tlemcen, Algeria.

In the boys' Under-18 10,000 walking race, Dominic Samson of Kiendege Secondary School in Nyamira County booked his place in Team Kenya after winning in 44:14.9, followed by Joseph Sila (49:25.4).

In girls' javelin, Cynthia Chebet of Nairobi's Riruta Secondary School also made the team after throwing 49:91m. The qualification mark is 49:00m.

National Secondary School games champion Dorothy Chepng'etich finished second with a 47m throw, two metres short of the qualifying mark.

"I am surprised. I didn't expect to hit the qualifying mark in this fashion. My personal best was 44m, so you can imagine what I am feeling now," said Chebet, the younger sister of Kenya Prisons' Sylvia Chesebe.

George Manangoi, Jacob Kipkorir, and Dominic Kipkemboi are among the notable athletes who booked their place in today's Under-18 boys' 1,500m finals.

In girls' 1,500m semis, Rachel Nzangi (4:22.9) Macline Cherono (4:23.2), Edina Jebitok (4:19.16), and Lydia Cheptarus (4:25.05) will battle in today's final.

In the Under-20 trials, Rhonex Kiproto (29:05.1), a Form Four student at Kimwogo Secondary School in Keiyo South, sprinted in the final 100m to beat Leonard Kipkemoi (4:23.2) in the men's 10,000m final.

"It's was a difficult race, especially after competing in Mombasa during the secondary school games over the weekend. I have not recovered well, but I'm thankful for today's performance. I'm glad to have made the team to Algeria," said Kipruto, who is coached by Brother Colm, who also handles world 800m record holder David Rudisha.

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, who is also the chairman of the Nairobi World Under-18 Local Organiszing Committee, said the two-day trials would offer a good opportunity to select the best athletes.