WU20: Kenyans in perfect form as hunt for medals heats up
The Kenya National U-18 team was in perfect form with Peter Kithome and Alocias Kipngetich sailing through to the men’s 400 metres hurdle at the World Under-20 Athletics Championships staged at the Moi Sports Complex, Kasarani.
Kipngetich clocked a new season-best despite being positioned a distant fourth, while Kithome was second behind Russian Denis Novoseltsev, who is competing as an independent athlete since Russia has been banned by World Athletics doping offences.
Kipngetich on his part clocked a Personal best of 51.41 in a competitive heat 3 won by Jamaica’s sprinter Roshawn Clarke in a time of 50.93.
Kithome who is among the youngest members in team Kenya is a form three students at St. Valentines High School in Machakos County and was impressive in his heat, clocking a time of 51.31.
Kenyans will launch their medal hunt in the Men 5000 metres and Women’s 3000 metres finals scheduled for this evening.
In the Men’s 800 metres heats, the Kenyan duo of Noah Kibet and Emmanuel Wanyonyi qualified for the final after winning their respective heats.
Kibet crossing the line in 1:46.70, with Wanyonyi scooping first position in his heat with an impressive time of 1:46.51.
Kenya will be hoping to bag her first medal in the global event later when the men’s 3000 m finals are held, with Daniel Kinyanjui and Bernard Kibet leading Kenya’s charge.