Athletes in action in the 1500m (© Getty Images)
Kenya will hope to showcase their immense depth by winning the metric mile title without their top U18 athlete.
Despite missing Justus Soget, who clocked a world U18 best of 3:32.97 at the Kenyan Championships on 24 June, the host nation will be confident of their chances.
With the fastest two men in the line-up turning out in Kenyan vests – Dominic Kipkemboi (3:44.00) and George Meitamei Manangoi (3:44.40), younger brother of world silver medallist Elijah Manangoi – they could spearhead the charge for the medals.
They will have some formidable opponents standing in their way, however, and if they hope to shine on home soil they will have to beat the Ethiopian duo of Belete Mekonen Maru (3:48.76) and Abebe Dessassa Fufa (3:49.00), as well as Oussama Cherrad of Algeria (3:48.81) who finished fifth in the 800m at the recent African Junior Championships in Tlemcen.
Wesley Botton for the IAAF
