Kenya’s Winnie Jemutai, Purity Chepkirui storm 1,500m final

Kenya's Winnie Jemutai celebrating after clinching second position in the 1500M Women category during the World Athletics U20 Championships at the Moi International Sports Complex. Aug 20, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya's Winnie Jemutai and Purity Chepkirui are through to the 1,500 metres final of the World Athletics Under-20 Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

In Heat 1, Jemutai finished behind Diribe Welteji from Ethiopian who won in 4:26.26 as she eased through in second place with a time of 4:26.47.

In Heat two, Chepkirui on the other hand led at the bell in 3:18.65 before winning the second heat in 4:22.10.

Kenya's Purity Chepkirui (third right) in the pack of 1500M Women round 1 World Athletics U20 Championships at the Moi International Sports Complex. Aug 20, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

She defeated Ethiopian Hiwot Mehari who finished second in 4:22.37 as Moroccan Meryeme Azrour clocked 4:2450 for third.

Chepkirui and Jemutai will now be eyeing to recapture the 1,500m title that Kenya last won in 2012 Barcelona through the current Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Chepng'etich.

The top four in each heat and the four fastest athletes qualify for the final due Sunday.