Africa Athletics Championships: Clean sweep for Kenya in women's 3,000 steeplechase
Athletics
By
Dennis Okeyo and Joan letting in Asaba, Nigeria
| Aug 05, 2018
It was befitting conclusion to the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships for Kenya, as the middle and long distance running powerhouse end the five-day competition on high.
An event, filled with sideshows ranging from athletes arriving in Asaba, the hosting venue, just three hours to kick-off due to failure to secure the connecting flights from Murtala Muhammad International Airport.
On final day inside Stephen Keshi Stadium, Kenya picked gold medals in men’s walk, steeplechase, men’s 5000m ,
Clean sweep for Kenya in women's 3,000 steeplechase
In the women’s 3000m final, proved a far more straightforward affair for Kenya, as World recorder holder Beatrice Chepkoech, Celliphine Chespol and Fancy Cherono show their class in splendid style to sweep the podium.
Chepkoech, seized the command of the race from the gun to clinch gold in 8:59.85 in the high heat and humidity afternoon event as the two-time World Under-20 Chespol winning silver while Cherono, 17, settling for bronze, her first title.
“It was hot but we had decided that everyone in the team should pick a medal, I’m glad we did it. My strategy was to simply go fast from the start and that’s what I did," said Chepkoech after victory.
The 5000m, World under-20 champion Edward Zakayo produced a moment of brilliance pushing the pace until the final lap when he bolted at 2000m to go to win the race in 13:45.41.
On Sunday morning, Samuel Gathimba effectively enjoyed the early morning weather to successfully retain his African stopping the clock in 1:25.13. Lebogang Shange of South Africa clinched silver in 1:25.24 while Hassanine Sebei of Tunisia took bronze ahead of Kenyan Simon Wachira who finished fourth.
It was tough race, but I had prepared well and had enough endurance to enable me win gold again. I trained in different climate back in kenya, so I was confident of doing well here in Nigeria” said Gathimba
Grace Wanjiru failed on her quest to win seventh African title settling for silver in the 20km race walk behind Ethiopian Yehualiye Belew who struck gold