This archive report was first published on 19 August 2021.
Kenya's men's 5000m title is on the line in the World U20 Championships, with the host nation seeking to defend the 1-2 titles they won in Tampere, Finland in 2018. The final is set to take place on July at 4:30pm.
Levi Kibet and Benson Kiplangat will have the responsibility of ensuring the country is in the medal bracket. Kibet, who has a personal best of 13:26.11, will be up against Ethiopia's Addisu Yihune, who has a best of 12:58.99.
Yihune narrowly missed Olympic qualification when he finished fourth in the Ethiopian trials in Hengelo in June, clocking 12:58.99. He will have compatriot Mebrahtu Werkineh, who has a best of 13:41.92, for company in the final.
Kenya's men's 5000m title is a closely contested affair, with the host nation facing stiff competition from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ugandans will also spice up the race.
On the women's side, Kenya has entered a strong squad consisting of Japan-based Teresia Muthoni and Zenah Chemutai. Chemutai, who trains in Iten, has the experience of doing well in international events, including a fourth-place finish in Tampere in 2018.
Chemutai said, "I have the experience of doing well, having represented the country in three international events. In Tampere, I was the only Kenyan in the final and I was police-making the Ethiopian while the Japanese had other intentions by running aggressively and taking the 1-2 positions. I finished fourth. Running at home will give us little advantage and we hope to deliver podium positions."
