Kenya kicked off its campaign at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in impressive fashion, securing three medals—including a gold—on the opening day at Hayward Field in Eugene, USA. Rising star Frankline Kibet delivered a standout performance in the men’s 5000m, clinching gold in 13:28.27 to secure his first global track title. His victory ensured Kenya successfully defended the title it won in the previous edition.
Fellow Kenyan Nehemiah Kipngeno completed a strong showing for the country by taking silver in 13:30.09, while Ethiopia’s Damitew Kebede finished third in a personal best time of 13:35.38. Kenya entered the competition as defending champions in the event, following Andrew Alamisi’s gold medal performance in Lima in 2024.
In the women’s 5000m, Joyline Chepkemoi secured a bronze medal after clocking a personal best of 15:09.08. Uganda’s Charity Cherop claimed gold in 15:03.88, improving on her silver medal finish from the previous championships.
Kenya last won the women’s 5000m title in 2018 during the Tampere championships, through Beatrice Chebet, who has since gone on to become a world record holder in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events. With a strong start already on the board, Kenya will be looking to build on this momentum in the remaining days of the championships.
