Kipruto,Chebet and Chespol among top names for World U-20 Championship

A total of 27 athletes have been selected to fly Kenya’s flag at the IAAF World Under- 20 Championships set for Tampere, Finland from July 10-15.

Rhonex Kipruto and Solomon Boit will carry the mantle in the men’s 10,000 metres while Edward Zakayo and Stanley Mburu will shoulder the expectations in the 5,000 metres.

 At the same time, Beatrice Chebet and Hellen Ekalale who came first and second respectively in the women’s 5,000 metres final will carry the mantle in the discipline as Celliphine Chespol and Mercy Chepkirui aim for glory in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.

Leonard Bett and Philemon Ruto will, on the other hand, carry Kenya’s hopes in the same race in the men’s category

Kenyan team manager Evans Bosire has in the meantime lauded the athletes who made the cut, promising an impressive performance at the outing.

“This is a very nice team. It has experience. We have seen their amazing performances in the track and field. We are expecting them to do well and conquer the world in Finland. It is incredibly exciting to welcome these athletes who have achieved an automatic nomination to the Kenyan team,” Bosire said.

In the 5,000m boys’ race, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Edward Zakayo put up a spirited run in the final 200 metres to pick the automatic ticket alongside Stanley Waithaka Mburu.

Mburu had pushed Zakayo to the edge heading into the final lap  but Zakayo burst into a battering final kick crossing the line ahead of Mburu .

The 18-year -old who hails from Narok South District knelt to thank the heavens after crossing the finish line, hands held high as he finally got the chance to represent Kenya.

“I am so happy to have had this chance to represent my country Kenya once again. Even though I had an injury after Commonwealth Games which resulted to not so pleasant results  in Africa Cross Country, I am so joyful now and I will do my best in Finland.

“Since I did not win gold in World U-18, my target this time around is gold,”  said Zakayo.

At the same time, George Manang’oi will have an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his brother Elijah Manang’oi after coming second in the 1,500m.

Manang’oi finished in  3:39.87,  just 3.9 seconds behind the winner, Justus Soget, who dominated the race in a time of 3:37.79.

Team Kenya

10,000m walk men

Dominic Samson Ndigiti

10,000m Men

Rhonex Kipruto

Solomon Kiplimo Boit

5,000m Women

Beatrice Chebet

Hellen Ekalale

5,000m men

Edward Zakayo Pingua

Stanley Waithaka Mburu

3,000m women Steeple Chase

Celliphine Chepteek Chespol

Mercy Chepkirui

3,000m steeple chase men

Leonard Kipkemoi Bett

Philimon Kiplagat Ruto