WU20: Mutunga, Cherotich delighted with individual performance in Cali

World Under 20, 400m silver medalist Damaris Mutunga is grateful to have made it to the podium in the ongoing World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali Colombia.

Mutunga clocked a new national record of 51.71 to scale to the podium alongside Yemi Mary of Great Britain and Rupal of India who won gold and bronze medals respectively.

The Kenyan athlete, who acknowledged having faced challenges in the semis said she was certain of bringing home a medal as the weather on the final day was perfectly okay for her.

"I knew I would get a medal and I am happy I made it. The challenge in the semis and the weather looked like they will derail my ambitions but I am thankful I made it. I ran a tactical race, sparing energy for the final bend," she said.

Mutunga who draws inspiration from national 100m record holder Maximila Imali, just like any other junior athlete, is hoping to build on her victory in Cali and make an impact at the senior level.

A large chunk of athletes who medaled at the junior level have come out to reveal their plan to try their hands at the senior level and for Mutunga, the 2024 Olympics will be a perfect stage to announce her arrival.

Meanwhile, newly-crowned 3000m Steeplechase champion Faith Cherotich is also over the moon after upgrading the colour of her medal from bronze to gold.

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Cherotich won bronze in the past edition held in Nairobi last year but could not be denied this time round as she coasted to victory in a spectacular fashion to succeed Jackline Chepkoech who has scaled to the next level.

"My plan was to win gold and I can't be grateful enough for making it. I ran my best time this season and most importantly, represented the country," she remarked.