Etyang, Keter aiming for World U20 glory in men's 1500m

Athlete Kamar Etyang competing in 1500m race during the national trials for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games at The Moi International Sports Stadium, Kasarani, June 19, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya’s Kamar Etyang will be looking to put Tokyo Olympic Games disappointment behind him as he takes on track in today’s men 1500m heats at the ongoing World Athletics U20 Championships at Kasarani Stadium.

The 19-year-old Etiang finished second at the Pre-Olympic trials in June, clocking 3:33.02 but was ineligible to compete at the Tokyo Games after failing to fulfill the three mandatory out-of–competition anti-doping tests as required by the Athletics Integrity Unit.

Having posted 3:35.21 this year, Vincent Keter is another entrant for Kenya who is expected to sail through to the next stage of the competition. 

“I’m in a stable mind set and ready for the championships. Keter and I want to ensure we make the final and eventually win medals,” said Etyang.

However, the Kenyan charges should be wary of the presence of Ethiopian duo Melkeneh Azeze and Wegene Addisu, who have run 3:33.74 and 3:34.21 respectively this year.

Azeze finished fifth at the Ethiopian Olympic trials one place ahead of Addisu. Eritrea’s Abderezak Mehamed Osman who holds a lifetime best of 3:39.48 will equally be looking to progress past heats.

But Spain’s Pol Oriach, who has run 3:37.67, is one of the European athletes posing threat to the Eastern African legion.