WU20: Rare bronze for Kenya in women 400m

Kenya added a rare bronze in her World Under 20 Athletics Championships medal haul after Sylvia Chelangat showed great strength and endurance to finish 3rd in the women 400m race behind Nigeria's Imaobong Uko and Kornelia Lesiewicz of Poland.

Chelangat clocked her personal best time of 52.23 over one lap to win bronze as the Nigerian powered to gold in 51.55 and Lesiewicz crossing in 51.97.

Five of the seven finishers in the race registered their personal best times while Onelka Mcannuff of Jamaica did not start the race.

Chelangat said she was satisfied with the medal and revealed plans of transitioning into 800m as part of her plan to emulate her idol and former world beater Janeth Jepkosgei. 

"I am happy for bronze. I would have loved gold but running a personal best is a good thing for me. I started strong but after 200m I felt like I was done. It took alot of effort to kick in the last 100m for that medal.Jepkosgei has been a big influence in my career and I am following in her footsteps. She started out with me while I was running 100m with 12 seconds and above and she trained me into the 400m runner I am. I have already started running in 800m which was my ultimate goal and going forward, you'll see me more in the two laps," she said.

While Chelangat won bronze, Kennedy Kimeu finished last in the men's final in spite of running a season best of 46.51.

Anthony Pesela of Botswana won the race in a championship record of 44.58 while Luis Aviles of Mexico claimed bronze after a clocking a national record of 44. 95. Antonie Nortje of South Africa settled for bronze in 45.32.

Kimeu who is the team Kenya skipper said makito the final was dream come true in his career.

"Getting to the final in itself was a big deal for me and despite finishing last, a ran a season best which I a great motivation. I am working towards reducing my time to 45 and this is a great statement of intend. I need to do more build up as I will be eyeing to represent Kenya in World Championships and Commonwealth Games. My focus now shifts to the the relay. I want to do well now with my teammates tomorrow in the final. I will be the anchor leg in the race and we are aiming podium position. If I can hold well for the first 250 m then kick in the last 150 I can promise Kenya will be in the podium," he said