Nancy Cherop obliterated a formidable field to win the 3,000m race at the Athletics Kenya national trials at Nyayo Stadium.
The event is being used as a yardstick to pick a team for the Confederation of Africa U18/U20 Championships set for Lusaka, Zambia on April 29-30.
Cherop posted a time of 9:08.34 minutes ahead of second-place finisher Joyline Chepkemoi, who ran 9:16.03 as Faith Chepchumba came home third in a time of 9:23.31 on a sunny Friday afternoon.
According to Cherop, she is appalled that she beat her rival Chepkemoi this time around after falling to her during the national trials for the World Youth Championships in Australia.
“I don’t think I had a good race even though I was number one. I am happy I was able to beat Chepkemoi this time because she beat me last time and I missed out on the World Youth Championships in Australia," said Cherop.
The world U20 bronze medalist said she aims for a podium finish at the Lusaka championships.
“My aim is to bring a medal home. My endurance is good but I want to work on my speed even after the competition ends,” she said.
On the other hand, Chemkemoi said she is content with her second-place finish now that she just recovered from an injury.
“I am happy with my position today. I have just recovered from an injury and I want to thank my physiotherapist for assisting me in my recovery,” Chepkemoi said.
Andrew Kiptoo won the men’s 3000m in 8:00.07 to book his ticket for the flight to Lusaka.
He said: "The competition here in Kenya is very tough. It’s not easy to win but my aim for the competition (Lusaka) is to win the title."
He added: “My only challenge here is the harsh weather. It is very hot and it makes it very hard for us to run smoothly."
Clinton Kimutai posted 8:02.64 for second place as Evans Kipkosgei finished third in 8:05.70.
Solomon Mutisya clocked 8:50.39 to win the men's U20 3000m steeplechase, followed by Emmanuel Wafula in 8:51.36 as Edward Ndombi sealed the podium places in 9:21.91.
In the women's U18 2000m steeplechase, Diana Chepkemoi of Lemotit clocked 6:22.35 to seal her Team Kenya slot ahead of Judy Chepkoech in 6:24.96 and Teresa Cherotich in 6:26.54.