In Eugene,Oregon USA
Kenya struck gold, silver, and bronze in the 5,000m finals on the first day of the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, USA, on Wednesday.
World Cross Country Under-20 champion Frankline Kibet produced a dominant performance as he led Kenyans to a 1-2 finish in the men’s 5000m final, crossing the finish line in 13:28.27, to bag the first gold for the country.
“The race was tough but I thank God I have another U -20 win on the track as I now shift my focus to senior races.”said elated Kibet
The team’s captain, Nehemia Kipngeno, also signed out his Under-20 career with a silver medal in 13:30.09 as Demetew Kebede of Ethiopia settled for bronze.
“We had planned to execute the race as a team and when I saw Kibet was kicking I decided to stick with him and now I have won a silver,I dedicate the medal to my mother for her immense support and encouragement as well as my coach.”
stated Kipeng’eno
The victory ensured Kenya retained the title won by Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi in 2024.
Earlier, Kenya’s co-captain Joyline Chepkemoi bagged bronze in the women’s 5000m in a personal best time of 15:09.08, while her compatriot Cynthia Chepkirui finished 4th.
Speaking on her bronze medal win Chepkemoi said”The race was difficult we had strong opponents but am glad am transitioning to seniors with a medal.”
Ugandan Charity Cherop claimed victory in 15:03.88, ahead of Shito Gumi from Ethiopia who won the silver medal.
With the result, Kenya sits on top of the medal table with a gold, silver, and bronze ahead of Brazil, Uganda, and hosts USA, who are tied with a gold medal apiece.
In other results of Day 1, Mercy Chepngeno and Anatasha Cheptoo both made it to the 3000m SC, while Collins Tentera and Nahashon Pkiach both made it to the 800m semis set for Friday.
Marion Jepchumba will be the only Kenyan in the two-lap race semifinals after her compatriot Nancy Jepngetich was disqualified under Rule 17.5.1 (for leaving the assigned lane before reaching the break line), followed by an unsuccessful appeal.
Sprinter Louis Khawel missed out on the semifinal after managing a fifth-place finish in Heat 8 of Round 1, posting a time of 10.51 seconds.
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