Muthoni, Chepng'etich light up Kasarani trials
Marion Chepng'etich glides on her way to the women's winning 3,000m semi-finals during the Athletics Kenya trials for World Athletics Under-20 Championship on July 1, 2021 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
What you need to know:
- Muthoni, who is based in Japan, romped home with the fastest qualifying time of eight minutes and 56.29 seconds during the race at the Moi International Sports Centre.
- Muthoni beat Zena Jemutai from North Rift in 9:01.67 as Naomi Cheptoo settled from Central Rift came in third in 9:04.98 to also qualify for the final.
Central's Teresia Muthoni and Marion Chepng'etich from Central Rift won their respective semi-finals to set up a potentially explosive women's 3,000m at the ongoing Kenya trials for World Athletics Under-20 Championships.
Muthoni, who is based in Japan, romped home with the fastest qualifying time of eight minutes and 56.29 seconds during the race at the Moi International Sports Centre.
Teresia Muthoni celebrates winning 3,000m semi-finals during the Athletics Kenya trials for World Athletics Under-20 Championship on July 1, 2021 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Muthoni beat Zena Jemutai from North Rift in 9:01.67 as Naomi Cheptoo settled from Central Rift came in third in 9:04.98 to also qualify for the final.
"I want to improve on my speed. I have been coming home to train. I hope I will be able to clinch a place in the team," said Muthoni, who has just graduated from Sera High School in Japan.
Chepng'etich clocked 8:59.02 to win the second semi-final, beating Maurine Jepkoech to second place in 9:09.87 as Faith Chebet timed 9:10.47 for third to all qualify for the final.
"It was my intention to lead from gun to tape to test my speed. I will have to work on my finishing kick so that I can do well in the final," said Chepng'etich, a form one student at Kimwogo Secondary School.
Vincent Keter on his way to victory in the 1500m second semi-finals during Athletics Kenya trials for World Athletics Under-20 Championship on July 1, 2021 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Ann Mbatha from North Rift emerged favourite to win women's 400m ticket when she posted the fastest time winning women's 400m second semi-final in 55.80.
Sylvia Chelangat from Central Rift won the third semi-final with the second fastest time of 55.88 while Nyanza South's Linda Kageha claimed the first semi-final in 56.39.
Mbatha, a form three student at Tartar Girls in West Pokot, acknowledged that her race was tough but knows what to do in the final. "I must refine on my finishing speed," said Mbatha, who attributed her success to her mother Christine Mbatha.
"She is my inspiration in athletics. She looked for a camp where I could train well," said Mbatha.
Nyanza South's Elkana Kiprotich (47.31), Joshua Ndombi (47.34) of North Rift, South Rift's Edwin Kipyegon (47.95) and Hillary Kiplangat(39.36) from South Rift won their respective men's 400m heats to set up an explosive final on Saturday.
