Kibet, Chepkirui set for Under-20 trials at Nyayo

Kenya's Purity Chepkirui followed closely by Hiwot Mehari (left) of Ethopia in the pack of 1500M Women round 1 World Athletics U20 Championships at the Moi International Sports Complex. Aug 20, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

A star-studded field is expected at the national Under-20 trials as Athletics Kenya (AK) is set to pick a team to the World Under-20 Championships slated for August 2-7 in Cali, Colombia.

Kenya will be seeking to win the overall title for the third consecutive time after topping the medal standings in Nairobi last year with 16 medals; eight gold, one silver and seven bronze and previously in Tampere, Finland.        

The medallists from the Nairobi global showpiece include the world Under-20 3,000m steeplechase bronze medalist Faith Cherotich and Heristone Wanyonyi, who made history when he won the 10,000m race walk.

Others expected to spice up the event are 1,500m champion Purity Chepkirui, North Rift’s Noah Kibet and Central Rift’s Levi Kibet, who won bronze medals in 800m and 1,500m respectively.  

Ismail Kirui, 17, who is already showing excellent pedigree for a top distance runner will be among the contestants in the men’s 5,000m and is determined to use the World Under-20 in Cali, as his international running launch pad.

Kirui will be among the favourites to clinch a ticket to Cali, having clocked 13:26.98 in men’s 5,000m final to finish second behind Daniel Simiu at the National Championships in May.

The world Under-20 400m bronze medallist Sylvia Chelangat who was part of the squad that went for specialised training at Miramas Athletics Club in France will be another star-attraction.