Cali22: Cherotich, Wafula promise to defend Kenya's steeplechase gold in Colombia

Kenya will be out to defend the country’s steeplechase dominance when they take to the track at Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia for this year’s World Athletics Under-20 championships.

With Amos Serem and Jackline Chepkoech having graduated to the senior athletics ranks after bagging gold for Kenya at the last edition held in Nairobi last year, the burden is on Faith Cherotich and Emmanuel Wafula to keep the tradition going. 

In Tampere, Finland where the 2018 event was held, Kenya missed out on the men’s gold as Leonard Bett won silver behind Takele Nigate but Celliphine Chespol defended the title she had won in 2016 in Bydgoszcz alongside Amos Kirui.

In 2014 it was the women who missed out on gold as Ruth Jebet, running for Bahrain won ahead of Roseline Chepngetich, Barnaba Kipyegon and Titus Kipruto delivered a Kenyan 1-2 in the men’s race that year.

Cherotich eyes WU-20 medal in Cali

As Athletics Kenya (AK) held its trials on the weekend, world Under-20 bronze Faith Cherotich was in a class of her own, leading from gun to tape to clock 9:18.25 to book a ticket to the 1 to 6 August showpiece where she hopes to upgrade her bronze.

“It was a comfortable race for me, not very competitive at the trials. But I know things will be different in Colombia, I must be ready. Last year I managed bronze but my target is gold now. I still have some work to do especially when it comes to speed and finishing to be ready for the championship," said Cherotich a form three student at Kalyiet Secondary School in Kericho. 

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The 17-year old has here sights set on breaking the world junior record too before moving to the senior ranks where she hopes to walk in the footsteps of her idol Beatrice Chepkoech and break the senior world record as well. 

Meanwhile, the men’s race was dominated by Wafula who says he has a dream of becoming a house-hold steeplechase great, inspired by multiple world and Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi.

"My desire is to become a legend like Kemboi who has achieved alot for our country. He inspires me alot. Winning the nation trials was a culmination of serious work and perseverance especially after having been pushed and unfortunately disqualified during the national trials last year. I am happy to have made the team this year and I will make this chance count by defending the gold Kenya won last year," said Wafula.