WU20: Two lap racers Chepchirchir and Kipkirwok punch semifinal tickets

Kenyan duo of Nelly Chepchirchir and Evaline Chepkoech Kipkirwok kept alive their hopes of claiming a medal at the ongoing World Athletics U20 Championships being held in Colombia as they automatically advanced to the semifinals of the women’s 800m race.

Chepchirchir strolled to the semifinals after clocking 2:06.66 to win heat 1 while Kipkirwok finished in third place in heat 2 which was just enough to secure progress to the next round as the top four in each of the five heats, alongside the next 4 fastest, were assured of qualification.

The Kenyan duo will be hoping to claim at least a medal in the 800m race where Kenya failed to get on the podium when the Championships were held on home soil at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani back in August 2021.

The semifinal race of the 800m race will take place on Wednesday at 0010EAT.

WU20: Peerless Cherotich sails to the 3000m Steeplechase final

Elsewhere, 3000m women's duo of Betty Chelangat and Nancy Cherop will be tasked with delivering Kenya's first medal at the World Athletics U20 Championship in Cali, Colombia on the first day.

The race will be the first final in Cali, with the Kenyans expected to battle with the Ethiopian pair of Tsiyon Abebe and Bertukan Welde.

The Kenyans will be looking to follow in the footsteps of their compatriot Teresiah Muthoni Gateri, who won the 3000m title for Kenya on home soil last year. The 3000m women final will kick off at 1 AM EAT on Tuesday morning.

WU20: Kimaiyo and Cheruiyot advance to 1500m final as youngsters start title defence