David Macharia
7 July 2009
Bressanone, Italy — Kenya launches its medal hunt on the first day of the 6th IAAF World Youth Championships when two upcoming stars line up in the 3,000 metres final here on Wednesday.
Purity Cherotich and Jackline Chepng'eno are the flag bearers in the race that Kenya has won in the last two editions of the competition.
The two will be seeking to continue the wins registered in the 4th edition in Marrakesh, Morocco, in 2005 where Veronica Nyaruai led Pauline Korikwang in a 1-2 win.
In 2007, Mercy Cherono overcame a strong Ethiopian challenge to take gold in a new championship record of 8:53.94. Ethiopia took silver and bronze. The other Kenyan in the race, Irene Cheptai, finished seventh.
Chepng'eno and Cherotich have the best personal times of 9:07.3 and 9:03.7, respectively, among 14 athletes expected in the final.
Two Japanese runners, Haruka Kyuma and Moe Kyuma, who have personal best times of 9:12.63 and 9:12.91, respectively, and Ethiopians Emebet Anteneth (9:25) and Genet Yalew (9:20) are the other serious contenders in the event.
Kenya chaperone Emily Sigot said victory would be most welcome.
Morale booster
"A win in this race will act as a morale booster for the team and give other runners a reason to get into competition mood," she said.
On Tuesday, the runners had a feel of the green tartan track located in the historical town of Bressanone that is surrounded by hills. They did a bit of morning jogging under cloudy weather.
Coaches Robert Ng'isirei and Francis Kamau said the weather was just like what the athletes were used to at home.
Kenyan team in Bressanone
Boys- 100m: Victor Oseko; 400m: Anthony Chemut, Nathan Kibiwott; 400m hurdles: Jeremiah Mutai, Cornelius Kiplagat; 800m: Nicholas Kiplagat, Peter Lagat; 1,500m: Caleb Mwangangi, Gideon Mageka; 2,000m steeplechase: Peter Lagat, Hillary Yego; 3,000m: Isaiah Koech David Bett
Girls- 800m: Cherono Koech, Margaret Chelimo; 1,500m: Nelly Chebet, Stella Chebet, 2,000m steeplechase: Beatrice Kiprop, Lucia Muia; 3,000m: Purity Cherotich, Jackline Chepngeno
Officials- Team manager: Leonard Mwathi; Assistant team manager: Eliud Wambua; Head coach: Robert Ngisirei; Assistant coaches: Andrew Maritim, Francis Kamau; Chaperone: Emily Sigot; Physiotherapist: Emphantus Kinyua
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