Athletes in action in the 800m (© Getty Images)
With three previous gold medals in this discipline, Kenya has been the most successful country in the history of the World U18 Championships, and Lydia Jeruto looks to be the favourite to bring the host nation another one.
The 17-year old clearly heads the entries with the 2:03.17 she ran to take fourth at the senior Kenyan Championships.
Jeruto did, however, lose at the Kenyan World U18 Championships Trials to Jackline Wambui, whose 2:06.63 from that race also puts her among the medal contenders.
Two Ethiopians will be looking to spoil the Kenyan party: Netsanet Desta with a best of 2:04.12 and Hirut Meshesha (2:05.29).
If anyone can stop the Africans from completely dominating, it is probably Maria Calderin. She finished second at the senior Cuban Championships this year, setting a personal best of 2:04.64.
Pawel Jackowski for the IAAF
