Kibet, Kiplagat set up explosive final in men’s 5,000m, injury scare for Muthoni
By Amos Abuga, July 2, 2021
Central Rift athletes, Levi Kibet and Emmanuel Kiplagat yesterday set up an explosive 5,000m final after both won their semi-final races on day one of the national trials which are being used to pick representatives for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships.
The two athletes both dominated their respective semis- final races at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, determined to clinch the two and only available slots in team Kenya during Saturday’s final.
Kibet won the second semi with the fastest time of 13:26.11, beating Central’s Samuel Kibathi and Ezra Kiplangat from South Rift who clocked 13:35.60 and 13:38.52, respectively.
“I enjoyed the race and I’m happy I made it to the final. Nothing can stop me now from snatching a place in the team on Saturday, “ said Kibet, a form three student at Kosirai High School.
Emmanuel clocked 13:56.86 to claim the second semi-final race, edging South Rift’s Benson Kiplang’at and Reuben Musin from North Eastern in 13:57.49 and 13:58.47 respectively.
“My target was to make the finals that is why I controlled the pace from the start.
I didn’t want to push hard so as to preserve some energy for the final where I know it will be extremely competitive,” said the Africa Under-18 Championships gold medallist.
In the women’s 3,000m, Japan based Teresia Muthoni representing Central region produced the best time of the day 3:56.29 to reach the final.
She defeated Zenah Chemutai 9:01.67 and Naomi Jeptoo 9.04.98 to second and third respectively.
“I felt some little pains during the race. I will rest as I wait for the finals. I feel I have a big chance to make the team,” said Teresia.
In the second semis, Marion Chepng’etich of Central Rift clocked 8:59.03 to reach also book a slot in the final.
Maureen Jepkoech 9:09.82 and Faith Chebet 9:10.47 was third. In the men’s 1,500m, Africa under 20 Champion Vincent Keter and Simon Kipkosgei also set up a titanic battle after winning their respective semi finals.
“I was targeting a top-3 finish to make to the finals. Now that I am in the finals I will be eying a top- 2 finish.” said Kipkosgei.
Keter who clocked 3:42.45 in the second semis said he is set for the final.
“A place in the final is all I wanted today. I was disappointed not to qualify for olympics but here for me is a consolation prize that is why I am giving my all,” said Keter who two weeks ago failed to qualify for Tokyo during Kenyans trials at the same venue.
In the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Amos Serem of North Rift will feature in the Saturday final after winning the first semis.
Also looking most likely to make the team is Ronald Kiplangat of South Rift winner of the second semi final.