Rising middle-distance prospect Wilson Chepkoech has credited training sessions alongside world and Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi for inspiring him to victory in the men’s Under-20 800m at the Kip Keino Classic on Friday.
Chepkoech timed his finish to perfection, unleashing a strong burst in the closing metres to win in 1:46.33 ahead of Collins Tenderwa (1:46.56), while Nashon Pkiach placed third in 1:47.15.
The youngster said working in the same training camp as Wanyonyi has greatly improved his race craft and confidence.
“Training with Wanyonyi has pushed me and motivated me. I hope to continue training with him so I can achieve more,” said Chepkoech.
He was pleased with both the victory and his time after a fiercely contested race.
“The race was good, I pushed myself to get the win,” he said.
“I am happy with the time I got. I will continue to train to sharpen my speed.”
Chepkoech will now turn his attention to the World Athletics U20 Championships set for August 5–9 in Eugene, Oregon, where he plans to compete over 1,500m.
“I want to go back to training and sharpen my form for the World U20 where I want to do the 1,500m,” he revealed.
Runner-up Tenderwa was also encouraged by his performance and the level of competition.
“The race was good and I enjoyed it. The pace was tough but I enjoyed it,” he said.
Tenderwa is now targeting a place in Team Kenya for the global junior championships.
“My target is to make it to the World U20 and represent Kenya for the first time.”
In the women’s Under-20 800m, Nancy Kibet claimed victory in 2:03.21, edging Nancy Jepng’etich (2:03.43) and Caren Chepchirchir (2:03.81).
Kibet, a Form Three student at Kondabilet High School, said the win exceeded her expectations.
“I am glad with my performance, I did not expect to win and I am glad I did,” she said after her breakthrough triumph.