Kenya’s Diana Chepkemoi managed to win a bronze medal in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase which saw Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew break a world record.
Diana Chepkemoi won a bronze medal for Kenya in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the ongoing World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
In a race dominated by East African runners, Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew broke the championship record to claim gold in 9:12:71, ahead of Uganda’s Loice Chekwemoi, who was second after timing 9:18.84, while Chepkemoi settled for bronze in a personal best time of 9:29.84.
“I am happy to have won a medal for my country Kenya. The race was not as easy as many will think and I know I will win next,” said Chepkemoi.
08:30 - 30.08.2024
Kenya's Denis Kipkoech wins silver in 3,000m at World U20 Championships
Denis Kipkoech won silver for Kenya in the 3,000m at the World U20 Championships after being narrowly edged out by Norway's Andreas Halvorsen.
Chepkemoi had shown her intentions early when she won in heat one in 9:22.72 ahead of Ethiopian Aleshign (9:22.77) with Ugandan Bentalin Yeko completing the podium at 8:22.81 with the top eight making it to the final.
She could, however, not keep up with the pace of Almayew who obliterated the field to lower the record in Lima.
Almayew lived up to her favourite’s billing in fine style to become the first ever Ethiopian world U20 women’s steeplechase champion, the Paris Olympian surging clear of Chekwemoi of on the penultimate lap and coming home.
09:00 - 30.08.2024
Mary Moraa's cousin eases to 800m final at World U20 Championships
Sarah Moraa advances to the 800m final, while Kenyan runners Kelvin Kimutai Koech and Phanuel Kipkosgei also reach the men's final.
Adding a gold to her silver in this event from two years ago, she also took 0.07 off the championship record set by Kenya’s Celliphine Chespol in 2018.