This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
On August 22, 2021, the Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, witnessed a remarkable display of athletic prowess as Kenyan athletes dominated the World Athletics Under-20 Championships.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi made history by setting a new championship record in the men's 800m, clocking an impressive 1:43.76 to win Kenya's sixth gold medal. Algeria's Mohamed Ali Gouaned took silver with a time of 1:44:45, while Noah Kibet secured bronze with a time of 1:44:88.
Wanyonyi attributed his remarkable performance to a well-executed tactic with his coach, Janeth Jepkosgei. 'I talked to my coach before the race, and she told us this was war. I am happy I have delivered this gold for myself, my coach, and the country. To do it in a record is just unbelievable,' he said in an interview with Mozzart Sport.
Meanwhile, Purity Chepkirui reclaimed the women's 1,500m title for Kenya after a nine-year hiatus. Chepkirui won Kenya's seventh gold medal with a time of 4:16.07, edging out Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji, who took silver in 4:16.39, and Winnie Jemutai, who claimed bronze in 4:18.99.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Chepkirui, who last held the title in 2012 in Barcelona.
