WU20: Superb Kiplangat strikes gold for Kenya in men's 5000m

Benson Kiplangat braved stiff competition from pre-race favorite Tadese Worku of Ethiopia to deliver the first World Athletics U20 Championships gold medal for Kenya after winning the 5000m race at the Kasarani Stadium. 

Kiplangat clocked 13:20.37 to down the fancied Ethiopian, ensuring that the national anthem will be blasted later in the evening. Worku who settled for silver timed 13:20.65

The win was made sweeter as Levy Kibet scooped bronze after crossing the line at. 13:26.01.

"I didn't expect to win the race. I am grateful to be the first athlete to deliver the first gold medal in the championship. The weather wasn't good but I soldiered on. I thank my coach Patrick Sang for bequeathing us with the right tactics which worked for us.

It has been my long term dream to win medals for the country and I am happy I have finally made it, " said the elated Kiplangat.

Ugandan Rodgers Kibet appeared to be the man to beat in the first three laps, dictating pace while enjoying the company of his compatriot Kiprotich Martin.

However, the dreaded Worku surged forward with nine laps to go attracting the attention of Addisu Yihune and the two home boys also joining.

Worku who broke the Kenyan hearts in the 3000m race in the opening day did let his limp off the gas pedal after two laps with Yihune taking over.

The latter who had the best time heading into the race summoned his energies in a bid to go clear of the three with six laps to go but they hanged on him.

Worku would take command again but his kick worked against him as Kiplangat overtook him and maintained the rhythm to the line. 

"I am happy for the bronze medal. I has prayed just for a podium finish and I am elated for such a good start to my career. We had planned to push the pace in turns and it worked as the Ethiopians are not an easy team to beat without teamwork. We saw yesterday what they did in the 3,000m race and we couldn't allow that today. My biggest pride is winning medals for my country. This is just the start," said Levi.