Fresh from bagging silver at the African Championships in Accra, Ghana earlier this month, Mercy Chepng’eno carried her rich vein of form into the final day of the Athletics Kenya World Under-20 trials at Nyayo Stadium, sealing her place for the global stage in August in Eugene, Oregon.
Chepng’eno clocked 9:47.40 to finish second, comfortably inside the 10:36 entry standard for the World U20 Championships.
Anastashia Cheptoo stormed to victory in 9:37.37 while Abigael Kosgei completed the podium in 10:12.94.
Fresh from national duty in Accra, Chepng’eno was delighted to finish inside the top two despite battling fatigue.
”The race was not easy. I am fresh from representing the country at the African Championships in Accra, where I won silver. I experienced some fatigue but I decided to come for the trials and fight for a ticket to Eugene,” she said.
At the continental showpiece, Chepng’eno timed 9:30.47 to clinch silver behind compatriot Diana Chepkemoi, who struck gold in 9:29.19.
Ethiopia’s Almaz Yohannis settled for bronze in 9:33.46.
Chepng’eno believes her Accra silver will provide the perfect confidence boost as she sets her sights on global glory in Eugene.
”When we go to Eugene we will work together with Anastashia to bring home the medals.”
She also underscored the value of competing against senior athletes at the African Championships, saying the experience sharpened her competitive edge.
”Running with seniors was very good. I got to learn a lot and that will help me as I prepare for Eugene.”
In the men’s 5,000m, Nehemiah Kipng’eno produced a commanding display to take control of the race, cruising to victory in 13:41.16.
The Japan-based runner unleashed a powerful finishing kick to hold off Andrew Kiptoo, who crossed in 13:42.83, while Andrew Alamisi completed the top three in 13:51.33.
Both Kipng’eno and Kiptoo dipped under the 14:08 entry standard for the Eugene showdown.
Kipng’eno said he had to dig deep to ensure he booked his maiden Team Kenya call-up.
”The race was hard but I pushed myself. This will be my first time making the Kenya team and I am so happy,” he said.
After suffering disappointment in Friday’s 3,000m, where he missed out on the top two, Kipng’eno returned with renewed purpose in the longer distance.
”I ran 3,000m yesterday and I failed to make the top two because the pace was very high,” he added.
”I decided to run my own race and my own pace in the 5,000m and I am happy it paid off.”
Ahead of Eugene, the youngster is targeting improved endurance to complement his finishing speed.
”I want to sharpen my endurance. I have the speed but I need endurance before the World U20.”
Josephine Sembeyo lit up the girls’ 1,500m with a dominant performance, stopping the clock at 4:09.89 to outkick Caren Chepchirchir (4:12.10) and Milcent Kipyekomen (4:17.84).
Sembeyo and Chepchirchir both sailed under the 4:27 global qualifying standard.
Despite the convincing win, Sembeyo admitted the contest was fiercely competitive.
”The competition was tough, but I had come prepared to push myself to secure a Team Kenya ticket.”
Missing out on the podium at last year’s African U20 Championships is also fuelling her hunger for a breakthrough global medal in Eugene.
”I ran the 800m at the African U20 Championships last year and I finished fifth, so this time I want to make sure I finish in the medal bracket in Eugene.”
Having already achieved her targets in the 800m, Sembeyo opted to step up to the 1,500m in search of fresh milestones.
”I decided to shift to the 1,500m because I had already set the time I had targeted in the 800m and I wanted a new challenge.”
Before heading to Eugene, the middle-distance prospect plans to sharpen her speed.
”When I go back to camp, I want to focus a lot on speed work.”
In the boys’ 3,000m steeplechase, Emmanuel Lemiso delivered a dominant performance, powering to victory in 8:35.30.
Nicholas Kitum claimed second place in 8:37.98 while Brian Kiptarus rounded off the podium in 8:45.24.
Both Lemiso and Kitum comfortably cleared the 9:00 qualifying standard for Eugene.
”I tried my best in the race, the target was to ensure I made the team.”
Disappointment at the Kip Keino Classic on April 24 also served as added motivation for Lemiso’s commanding rebound at the trials.
”I did not run well in Kip Keino and I knew I had to give my best today to secure my place for the World U20.”
”After Kip Keino I switched my training and also diet so that I can be in top shape,” he said.
At the Kip Keino Classic, Lemiso timed 8:46.78 in the U20 category to trail Kiptarus (8:46.02).
Lemiso has already set his sights firmly on the top step of the podium in Eugene.
”I am going to bring gold in Eugene. I hope God gives me good health till we go for the Championship.”