Teen sensation Chebolet stuns Rutto at Kasarani
Samuel Chebolet (right) and Cyrus Rutto celebrate after their performance in men's 5000m during the Athletics Kenya National Championships at Kasarani on June 23, 2018. PHOTO | AYUMBA AYODI |
What you need to know:
- Gathimba won the Africa title in 2016 in South Africa not only in a national record but also championship record time of 1:19.24.
North Rift's teenager Samuel Chebolet will make his maiden appearance for Kenya after he stunned seasoned Cyrus Rutto to win the men's 5,000m final during the Athletics Kenya National Championships at Kasarani on Saturday.
The little-known Chebolet beat Rutto, who represented Kenya at the World Championships in London last year, in a sprint finish, clocking 13 minutes and 38.27 to triumph.
Rutto of Kenya Defence Forces timed 13:38.81 for second as both athletes qualified for the Africa Athletics Championships planned for August 1-5 in Assaba, Nigeria.
"It's a great feeling after I missed out on qualifying for the World Under-20 Championships last week," said the 17-year-old Chebolet, who is the younger of 2014 Commonwealth 1500m silver medallist Ronald Kwemoi.
Rutto said he is ready for his Africa Championships debut.
It's at the Africa Championships where the Africa team will be selected for the World Cup due September 8-9 this year.
"I really need to make up for the lost opportunity at the World Championships last year," said Rutto.
Meanwhile, Samuel Gathimba from Prisons is in line to defend his Africa 20km race walk title after retaining his national title in 1:21.58, once again beating KDF's Simon Wachira in 1:22.36.
Gathimba won the Africa title in 2016 in South Africa not only in a national record but also championship record time of 1:19.24.
