This archive report was first published on 19 August 2021.
Kenya: Wanyonyi, Kibet Qualify for 800m Semi-Finals, Chepkosgei Disqualified ¶
On August 19, 2021, the World Athletics Under-20 Championships witnessed a thrilling display of speed and endurance as Kenyan athletes Noah Kibet and Emmanuel Wanyonyi qualified for the 800m semi-finals.
Wanyonyi, who trains in the camp of former Olympic and World Champion Janeth Jepkosgei, clocked 1:46.51 to win the third heat, while Kibet won the first heat in 1:46.70.
"We had talked with Kibet before the race and we decided that we should take the lead from the start because most of the time, the rest of the athletes can box you in. We also know most of the Europeans have a good final kick so it was only good for us to start from the lead," Wanyonyi said after the race.
However, the day was not without its setbacks for Kenyan athletes. Sheila Chepkosgei was disqualified for lane infringement in the women's 800m event, despite winning her heat in a personal best time.
Earlier on, the Kenyan duo of Alocius Kipngetich and Peter Kithome made it to the final of the 400m hurdles. Kithome finished second in his heat in a time of 51.31, while Kipngetich was third in his, clocking a new personal best of 51.41.
"I really feel delighted to have made the semi. That is the first hurdle that I have cleared. Now I need to focus and ensure that I am even better prepared for the next step which is going to be even tougher," Kithome said.
