Celliphine Chepteek Chespol competes in the 3000m steeplechase qualifying round at the IAAF World U20 Championships Bydgoszcz 2016 (© Getty Images)
One defending champion and three world U18 champions feature on Kenya’s team for the IAAF World U20 Championships Tampere 2018 on 10-15 July.
Celliphine Chepteek Chespol won the steeplechase in Bydgoszcz two years ago and went on to break the world U20 record one year later. In Tampere next month she will aim to become one of a select group of athletes to have won back-to-back world U20 titles.
World U18 champions Leonard Bett, George Manangoi and Jackline Wambui are also on the team. Bett won the steeplechase at Kenya’s recent World U20 Championships Trials event, while Manangoi and Wambui finished second in the men’s 1500m and women’s 800m respectively, such is the strength of their team.
Kenya is one of the most successful nations in the history of the World U20 Championships, having earned 175 medals (72 gold, 62 silver, 41 bronze) since the inaugural edition in 1986.
Kenyan team for Tampere
Men
400m: Laban Kiplangat, Gabriel Nkaka
800m: Solomon Lekuta
1500m: George Manangoi, Justus Soget
5000m: Stanley Mburu Waithaka, Edward Pingua Zakayo
10,000m: Solomon Kiplimo Boit, Rhonex Kipruto
3000m steeplechase: Leonard Kipkemoi Bett, Philemon Kiplagat Ruto
400m hurdles: James Mucheru, Moitalel Mpoke Naadokila
Triple jump: Philip Musyoka Mwema
10,000m race walk: Dominic Samson Ndigiti
Women
400m: Mary Moraa
800m: Lydia Jeruto Lagat, Jackline Wambui
1500m: Miriam Cherop, Edina Jebitok
3000m: Zenah Jemutai Yego
5000m: Beatrice Chebet, Hellen Ekarare Lobun
3000m steeplechase: Mercy Chepkurui, Celliphine Chepteek Chespol
