•Despite feeling underprepared, the 19-year-old was thrilled to clinch the top spot.
•He credited his participation in the International Cross Country Championships in Spain for boosting his performance at the trials.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
Ishmael Kipkurui leveraged his experience to dominate the men's 5,000m at the World U-20 trials on Thursday at Nyayo Stadium.
Kipkurui, who is also the world U-20 cross-country champion clocked 13:42.71 to surpass the qualifying mark of 14:08 ahead of the global show set for August 27-31 in Lima, Peru.
Andrew Alamisi clocked for 13:43.54 while Shadrack Kipkemei was third in 13:45.07. "I had more experience than my compatriots and capitalised on it to win today's race," said Kipkurui.
Despite feeling underprepared, the 19-year-old was thrilled to clinch the top spot. "I had not prepared well for the race. I am still fatigued after competing in the Olympic trials recently," Kipkurui said
He added: "My coach encouraged me to take up the World U20 trials and I am glad I was able to win today."
Kipkurui placed seventh in 13:34.79 during the Olympic trials held on June 15 at Nyayo Stadium.
He credited his participation in the International Cross Country Championships in Spain for boosting his performance at the trials.
"Taking part in the international cross-country event in January has also helped me a lot. It has given me the edge today," he added.
During the International cross-country event in Spain on January 7, he clocked 30:43 to finish fourth. Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi (30:34), Burundi's Rodrigue Kwizera (30:39) and Morocco's Soufiane Bakkali (30:41) sealed the podium.
"In Peru, I expect to clinch a gold medal in my race. I am confident I can make it," he stated.
He said his priority is to improve on his weak areas when we head to camp. Kipkurui hopes to shift focus to senior races after the World U20 championships.
"After the World U20, I will be moving to the seniors. It is a tough category and I have to undertake intense training to keep up with the rest," he stated.
Sarah Moraa won the women's 800m semifinal with a time of 2:02.10 and attained 2:09 qualifying standard.
Janet Amimo (2:06.82) and Daisy Ruto (2:14.51) took second and third, respectively. Despite missing the Olympic qualifying time of 1:59.30, Moraa was optimistic about improving in the finals.
"The race was good but I wanted to make the Olympic qualifying time and was not able to. I am sure I will make the time during the finals on Friday," Moraa stated.
She cited her final 70-80 meters as a challenge. "The last 70 - 80m is a challenge but I hope to do better during the final," she added.
Mercy Chepkemoi attained the women's 3,000m qualifying time, clocking 9:10.95. Marion Jepngetich (9:14.46) and Brenda Jepchirchir (9:22.08) rounded out the podium.
Chepkemoi was pleased with her performance with her target now set at a podium finish in Peru.
"I am glad I was able to win the race and make the team for the World U20. I hope to secure a podium finish," she stated.
Clarke Ouma clocked 11.23 to win the men's 100m semifinal 1 followed closely by Dennis Wangui (11.24) and Zimbabwe's Mandipa-ishe Mwamvura (11.42).
Daniel Wasike won the second semifinal in 11.20 with Keith Reynold (11.57) and Ben Roimen (11.99) hot on his heels.