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Edwin Otieno

Africa Under-18 champion Zena Jemutai Yego and Japan-based Teresia Muthoni are ready to deliver a one, two Kenyan finish in the women’s 3,000m during the upcoming World Athletics Under-20 Championship set for August 17 -22 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi Kenya.

During the 2019 Africa U18 and U20 championships held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Zena clocked nine minutes, 13.23 seconds ahead of compatriot Deborah Chemutai (9:13.42) to claim a one, two finish for Kenya as Ethiopian Berheteha Amare settled for third place in 9:14.72.

The 19-year-old from Elgeyo Marakwet County, narrowly missed a chance to compete at home soil during the World Under-18 Championships hosted in Nairobi 2017 after finishing third during the trials.

Kenya was represented by incumbent world cross country U20 champion Beatrice Chebet and Emmaculate Chepkirui.

 However, she managed to represent Kenya during the World U20 Championships held at Tampere, Finland, in 2018 where she finished fifth (9:00.76) as Nozomi Tanaka (8:54.01) of Japan won gold.

Her team-mate Muthoni who recently graduated from Sera High School, Japan, will be aiming to lower her personal best (PB) during the biennial event.

“I used to participate in races while in school and every victory motivated me to push myself further. My target in this competition will be to lower my personal best of 8:51.00.

When I graduate to senior level, I will compete in the 5,000m and later on advance in the 10,000m race like what two-time Olympics silver medalist and world champion Hellen Obiri did,” said Muthoni.