Simotwo, Chebet star in KDF 1500m

As curtains came down on the 41st edition of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Athletics Championship at the Nyayo National Stadium, the top performers have booked themselves tickets to the National Athletics Kenya (AK) trials set for May 27 to 29. 

Keen not to miss out on the national event where he will be looking to better his fourth place finish at the 2019 national trials to the World Championships, Charles Simotwo led from the bell to finish in the men's 1500m clocking 3:46.88. 

Simotwo had to fight off competition from World Under 18 champion George Manangoi who left it late, moving from the middle of the pack at the 150m mark, in the final lap, to overtake Mathew Kipsang and take silver in 3:46.93. Kipsang placed third in a time of 3:47.12. 

"This was my first championship since 2019. I took advantage of the Covid-19 necessitated break to tend to a nagging knee injury that I sustained while training back in 2014 but kept recurring. In the qualification stages the races were not taught but the final has lived up to its biling. Competition was tough and my body almost gave in at the final stretch but I am happy yo have held on for the win. From this championship I know I have some work to do before the national event," said Simotwo adding that his target is to get an invite to the Olympics trials. 

Manangoi, was satisfied with the podium finish and now shifts his focus to training for both the continental championship trials as well as the Olympics trials. He has been largely inactive since 2019 as he spend the 2020 year at the Recruits Training School (RTS) in Eldoret. He had only taken part in one AK meet back in February this year before sporting activities were suspended. 

"My body is responding well to training and my form is slowly returning after staying for the 2020 season without training. A podium finish is all I wanted at this championship and I am glad to have achieved that. I now keep training for the trials, as I keep hoping to make the invite list for the Tokyo Olympics," offered the navy man who is the younger brother to former 1500m World champion Elijah Manangoi. 

In the women's race, it was a battle between former World Junior 800m silver medalist Winnie Chebet and World Military Games 1500m gold medalist Selah Jepleting with Judy Kiyeng presenting the third force in the race. 

A 1500m specialist, Jepleting ran from the front as the other two chose to stay back and kick in the final lap to overtake her and relegate her to third place in 4:09.95. Chebet won in 4:08.48 while Kiyeng bagged silver in 4:09.16.