Keter: Training with Cheruiyot gave me edge in 1,500m race

Vincent Keter banked on his experience in the Diamond League races to turn on the magic as he became the  World Athletics Under-20 Championships men’s 1,500m champion.

 Keter emphatically took the title on a day he admitted even close friends doubted his capabilities.

 “I wanted to prove who the boss is,” said the former Africa junior champion.

 “There is nothing better than  proving doubters wrong. Of more importance is that I was able to continue Kenya’s dominance in the event,” he added.

 He did a carbon copy performance of his Rongai Athletics Club’s teammate George Manang’oi in 2018 Tampere.

The Ben Ouma-led stable has now won consecutive titles in both junior and senior events with Elijah Manangoi and Timothy Cheruiyot dominating in the  seniors.

 “It feels fantastic  to be associated with this amazing group. I don’t think there is a better middle distance camp than ours,” Keter praised his coach Ouma who watched the proceedings from the stands on Saturday.

 “My coach was precise with what I should do in the finals at different stages. His plan was executed perfectly,” he said

 He clocked 3:37.24 for victory having led through from the final 600m. He beat Ethiopia’s Wegene Addisu to second place in 3:37.86.

 Kenya’s Kamar Etiang, who had claimed bronze was disqualified for lane infringement as Ethiopia’s Melkenah Azize, who finished fourth upgraded to the medal bracket in 3:40.22.

 Keter, who won the Africa Under-20 1,500m title in 2019, said he wanted that victory badly by virtue of the event taking place at home.