This archive report was first published on 23 August 2021.
On a glorious afternoon, Kenya's athletes made their country proud by winning three gold medals on the final day of the World Under-20 championships at Kasarani Stadium on August 22, 2021.
The national anthem was belted out three times as Kenya defended the overall teams title at the conclusion of the five-day event.
Kenya's medal harvest began with Emmanuel Wanyonyi claiming the gold medal in the men's 800m, producing a killer kick in the final 60m to win gold in a championship record time of 1:43.76.
Wanyonyi's victory was followed by Purity Chepkirui's resilient display in the women's 1500m, where she produced a championship-winning time of 4:16.07, a title the country last won in 2012 through Faith Chepngetich.
Finally, Amos Serem stormed into victory in the 3,000m steeplechase, winning the host's eighth gold medal at the championship in a time of 8:30.72.
Kenya's athletes also secured a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay men's event, adding to the country's overall medal count.
Emmanuel Wanyonyi celebrated his victory, saying, "Running a time of 1:43.76 at high altitude and setting a championship record has just confirmed that indeed I am good in this race. I will keep pushing to see how much I can lower my new personal best, who knows maybe I can one day bring down David Rudisha's World Record."
Purity Chepkirui also expressed her joy, saying, "Just the mere fact that I am wearing a Kenyan jersey gave me the much needed motivation to bring glory to our country. I knew my Ethiopian rival will bring a fight to the race and I had made up my mind that I had to produce my best performance."
Amos Serem, who is a huge fan of former world champion Ezekiel Kembo, said, "I was only going to rest after I was crowned the world champion. During the semis, I signalled the fans that the medal will remain in Kenya and today, I have delivered the promise. I am a huge fan of Kemboi."
