Diana Chepkemoi promising fireworks after booking flight to Peru

19-year-old Diana Chepkemoi is ready to take on the world after an impressive performance in the Kenya U20 Athletics Championships held at the Nyayo Stadium on Thursday.

The youngster, who is fresh from winning the International Schools Federation (ISF) U18 World Cross Country Championships in May, won the 3,000m steeplechase title in 9:51:51 to book a slot in the World Under 20 Championships slated for August 27-31 in Lima, Peru.

She completed the course ahead of Judy Chepkoech, who came in second in 10:04.71, and Sharon Chepkemoi, who completed the podium in 10:22.48 for top three positions.

Sharon Chepkirui and Sheila Jepkirui settled for fourth and fifth positions respectively at 10:36.91 and 10:37.26 respectively.

Chepkemoi is a student at Saramek High School in Londiani, Kericho County and trains at the Lemotit Training Camp under coach Paul Kemei.

Speaking after the win, the youngster was grateful to God, noting that she aims to win more gold medals for Kenya in the future.

“I want to thank God for this victory. The race was not easy but I did my best. When I go to the World Championships, I will do my best to return home with gold. I promise Kenyans that I will bring gold. I am still young, and they should expect the best from me,” she said.

The rising star is on the right course towards becoming one of the country’s finest athletes.

She represented Kenya during the World Cross Country Championships in Australia in 2023 where she finished ninth in the U20 category.

She then carried forward the energy to the new year, overcoming a leg injury to claim second place in the junior category of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour gold where she finished in 20:12.

The former world junior cross country bronze medalist was hoping to improve her time during the World Cross Country Championships in Serbia, but failed to travel due to a visa hitch.

She went to the ISF competition feeling like a tiger released from a cage, overpowering her opponents to cross the line in 10:47:8.

What sets her apart is that she is eloquent, bold, and she articulates her points correctly. She is en route to becoming a great all-rounded athlete. She aims to break Faith Kipyegon’s 1,500m record in future.

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Her mentor set the 1,500m world record after running 3:49:11 at the Florence Diamond League in June 2023.

At the same time, Collins Kibiwott and Sheila Jebet shone bright in the 1,500m boys’ and girls’ races respectively.

Jebet, who ran in 4:19:38, was followed by Miriam Chemutai who came in second in 4:19.51, while Mary Nyaboke occupied third-place in 4:19.9.

Kibiwott won the title at 3:41.50 ahead of Josphat Kipkurui who was second in 3:42.20, followed by Nelson Mapi (3:42.61) and Emmanuel Yegon (3:45.83).

Speaking after the victory, Kibiwott noted that it was a dream come true. He studies at Kosirai High School and explained that training was so intense that he often considered giving up.

The victory however will serve as motivation to train even harder, as he targets 3:28 at the global showpiece.

“I want to thank God for this victory. This is my first time winning this race. Even this time was not expected. We have been training well. Training was hard until sometimes I felt like giving up. This victory has motivated me to aim higher. Now I will train harder,” he offered.

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Reigning Chepsaita cross country champion Ishamail Kirui won the 5,000m title in 13:42.11 to book for the slot ahead of Andrew Kiptoo (13:43.54), Shadrack Kipkemoi (13:45.01), Ronald Kipkoech (13:48.17), Edwin Kimosong (13:48.29), Charles Rotich (13:49.15) Johanna Erot (14:01.26), and William Komen (14:06.15).

In the women’s 100m finals, 18-year-old Selfa Ajiambo confirmed a slot to the World U20 Championships.

During the last edition of the U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, in 2022, Kenya accumulated 10 medals (three gold, three silver, and four bronze).

Among the standouts who broke their way from the U20 Championships are: mile record holder Emmanuel Wanyonyi; World U20 Champion in the 1500m Reynold Cheruiyot, and Beatrice Chebet, the world record holder in the women’s 10,000m.