L. MathekaKeter, Kipkosgei set for cut-throat 1500m final
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 01.07.21. | 17:26
'Sibling rivalry' at its best will come to play when World Under-20 trial's 1500m men's final gets underway at Kasarani Stadium as Vincent Keter and Simon Kipskosgei take on each other for the chance to make team Kenya to the August 17-22 showpiece
The duo who train under renowned middle distance and sprints coach Benard Ouma dominated each of the two semi finals on Thurday with Keter winning the second semi in a time of 3: 42.44 ahead of Emmanuel Lemama (3:43.17) and Gilbert Kipngetich (3.47.75).
Kenya’s @WorldAthletics Under-20 Trials is going down today (Thursday to Saturday) at Kasarani stadium ahead of global showpiece slated for 17-22 August in Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/DXCWYBrMD4
— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) July 1, 2021
Kipkosgei began celebrating his win with 50m to the finish line as he faced no competition in semi one which he won in a comfortable 3:46.87 ahead of Stephen Masindet (3:48.79) and Alphazard Kimutai (3:49.46).
"Running in the enclosed Kasarani has always been tough for me but my competition in the semis made things too easy for me. None of them wanted to front run or challenge me hence the slow pace of the race. Real work will now be at the final where I face my training mate Keter. We both have the same running tactic so I know beating him will be no walk in the park," said the form three student at Chewoyet High School who joined Ouma's Rongai Athletics Club in December last year.
"I know the capabilities of Kipkosgei but I am in good shape and I feel strongly that I will win. The target us to qualify for next month's event so I will just be working to cross the finish line in the top two positions," said the bubbly Keter.
World champion Timothy Cheruiyot and World U20 Champion George Manangoi giving their words of advice to their Under-20 teammates at Rongai Athletics Club’s ahead of the World Under-20 Trials slated for Thur to Sat at Kasarani Stadium. All the best to youngsters. @tim_cheruiyot pic.twitter.com/mJRWqWPcfI
— Dennis okeyo (@dennisokeyo) June 29, 2021
Meanwhile, the women’s 1500m will see favourite Purity Chepkirui transfer her cross country prowess to the track as she looks to represent the country for the first time. The youngster, who is waiting to join high school later this month, ran a tactical race to win the first semi final in 4:17.18 ahead of Faith Chepkoech who clocked 4:19.89. Betty Chelagat was third in 4:22.21.
"I was not under any pressure since it is a semi final and j just needed to book a place in the final. Now that I'm in, I'll be targeting a new personal best at the final so I'm hoping for a fast race. If I can run 4:08 I will be happy," said the Tiloa Primary alumni who trains at the Nakuru County-based school under coach Micahel Siele.
On her part, Chepkoech is drawing inspiration from her elder sister Sheila Chelagat who has booked a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics after finishing third at the Olympic trials held at Kasarani and says a chance to represent the country for the first time will be a dream come true.
