This archive report was first published on 20 August 2021.
Kenya's Jackline Chepkoech made history by winning the gold medal in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, held at Kasarani stadium on August 20, 2021.
With a thrilling front-running style, Chepkoech took the lead early in the race, leaving her teammates Faith Cherotich and Ethiopian Zerfe Wondemagegn in her wake.
Chepkoech's decisive move saw her cross the halfway mark in 4:41.38, eventually winning the gold medal in 9:27.40. Wondemagegn took the silver position in 9:35.22, while Cherotich settled for bronze, taking Kenya's tally to six medals.
"I was aware that a good number of the competitors were strong, but the race was too slow, so I decided to open up the gap after two laps," Chepkoech said. "During the Olympics trials, I finished 4th and did not make the Tokyo team, this is a good reward after missing out in the Olympics."
"I was aware that a good number of the competitors were strong, but the race was too slow, so I decided to open up the gap after two laps," Chepkoech said. "During the Olympics trials, I finished 4th and did not make the Tokyo team, this is a good reward after missing out in the Olympics." — Jackline Chepkoech
Cherotich expressed her happiness for the bronze medal, saying, "Our game plan was a 1-2 finish, but the Ethiopian proved too strong for me, and a nagging leg injury did make things better for me. I'm happy for the bronze medal."
"Our game plan was a 1-2 finish, but the Ethiopian proved too strong for me, and a nagging leg injury did make things better for me. I'm happy for the bronze medal." — Faith Cherotich
Kenya is seeking to top the global medal standing for the fifth time in the history of the championships, having won 11 medals in the last edition: six gold, four silver, and one bronze medal.
