Gold rush: Record-breaker Wanyonyi, Chepkirui sparkle at WU20

Emmanuel Wanyonyi continued Kenya’s dominance in the 800m when he obliterated the championships record en route to striking gold at the World Under-20 Championships.

On a sunny afternoon at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Wanyonyi and compatriot Noah Kibet took to the field as the clear favourites after dominating both in their heats and semi finals.

With Kibet going for the lead from the gun, Wanyonyi was third just behind his compatriot and Algeria’s Mohammed Ali Gouaned.

With just 200m to go, Kibet went out of gas as Gouaned threatened to spoil the Kenyan party but Wanyonyi sprinted in the final 100m to secure the title in 1:43.76

The Algerian would hold on to take silver as Kibet settled for bronze in a personal best of 1:44.88

Purity Chepkirui bagged Kenya’s seventh gold medal at the championships after reigning supreme in the women’s 1500m.

Chepkirui who took the lead with two laps to go, clocked 4:16.07 to beat defending champion Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia who took silver in 4:16.39

Another Kenyan Winnie Jemutai clinched bronze after finishing third in 4:18.99

Kenya has now bagged 13 medals at the championships; seven gold, one silver and five bronze.