Denis Kipkoech and Diana Chepkemoi were thrilled after delivering medals at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, on Friday morning.
Chepkemoi bagged the bronze medal in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase in a personal best time of 9:29.84.
She trailed Ethiopian Sembo Almayew, who set a course record 9:12.71, and Uganda’s Loice Chepkwemoi (9:18.84).
“I am very happy to have achieved this goal. This medal means a lot to me. It is an honour to win it for my country,” Chepkemoi said.
Unfortunately, her compatriot, Sharon Chepkemoi, missed out on the podium, placing seventh in 9:50.30.
The result saw Kenya surrender the title won by Olympic bronze medalist Faith Cherotich at the 2022 edition in Cali, Colombia.
In Cali, Cherotich stormed to victory in 9:16.14 ahead of Ethiopia's Almayew (9:30.41) and Meseret Yeshaneh (9:42.02).
Kipkoech clocked 8:20.79 to bag the 3,000m silver medal behind Norway’s Andreas Halvorsen (8:20.56). Britain’s Edward Bird took bronze in 8:21.00.
Kipkoech highlighted the intensity of the competition.
"The race was not easy but I pushed myself to ensure I secured a podium finish," he said.
The result mirrored Kenya’s silver from the 2022 championships where Felix Korir timed 7:47.86 behind Ethiopia’s Melkeneh Azize (7:44.06) and just ahead of compatriot Edwin Kisalsak (7:49.82).
Meanwhile, Edmund Serem and Mathew Kosgei will line up against an elite field hoping to reclaim the U20 3,000m steeplechase crown.
Kenya last triumphed in this event in 2021, when Amos Serem claimed victory on home soil after clocking 8:30.72 to beat Ethiopia’s Tasese Takele (8:33.15) and Simon Koech (8:34.79).
However, Kenya’s expectations are high following Serem's remarks before the team left for Lima.
“Kenyans should expect good results from me. As a team captain, I should lead by example and post good results. This time it will be different from Cali where we entirely missed out on the podium,” Serem said during the team’s flag-off at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
In Cali, Ethiopian’s Samuel Duguna (8:37.92) and Samuel Firewu (8:39.11) clinched gold and silver respectively with Morocco’s Salaheddine Ben Yazid (8:40.62) rounding out the podium.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s hopes in the women’s 1,500m rest on Mary Nyaboke and Miriam Kibet, while Josphat Kipkirui will carry the nation’s flag in the men’s event.
