Koech hopes to make an impact in Tokyo after impressive season

Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech wins the Men's 1500m during the Wanda Diamond League meeting at the London Stadium in Stratford in London, England, on July 19, 2025. [AFP]

Few had heard of Phanuel Koech prior to the Wanda Diamond League meeting in Paris two months ago.

But the Kenyan teenager, in what was just the second 1500m race of his career, catapulted himself into the sport’s consciousness by finishing second in a highly competitive field, breaking the world U20 record with 3:27.72.