Kenya’s big names in athletics delivered strong performances at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Agnes Jebet Ngétich qualifying for the women’s 5,000m final. Rising star Emmanuel Wanyonyi also secured a place in the men’s 800m final, though there were setbacks for Margaret Akidor, Kelvin Kimtai, and Nicholas Kebenei who fell short.
Highlights:
- Beatrice Chebet wins 5,000m Heat 1 in 14:45.59; Margaret Akidor finishes 14th.
- Faith Kipyegon and Agnes Ngétich qualify from Heat 2, joining Chebet in the final.
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi reaches the men’s 800m final with a 1:43.47 finish.
- Mary Moraa, Lillian Odira, and Sarah Moraa qualify for women’s 800m semis.
- Kenya’s medal hopes remain strong despite some misses.
Chebet Dominates, Kipyegon & Ngétich Cruise
Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet powered through Heat 1, clocking 14:45.59 to finish ahead of Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and USA’s Shelby Houlihan. However, debutant Margaret Akidor struggled, finishing 14th and missing the cut.
In Heat 2, four-time World Champion Faith Kipyegon secured second place in 14:56.71, a season-best, behind Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. Agnes Jebet Ngétich, the 10km world record holder, also squeezed into the final despite placing eighth.
Wanyonyi Carries Kenya’s 800m Hopes
In the men’s 800m, Emmanuel Wanyonyi advanced to the final after finishing second in his semifinal heat with a time of 1:43.47, just behind Spaniard Mohamed Attaoui. His teammates Kelvin Kimtai and Nicholas Kebenei bowed out after failing to qualify.
Defending champion Mary Moraa comfortably booked her semifinal spot after clocking 1:58.44 to finish second in her heat. National Champion Lillian Odira topped Heat 5 in 1:57.86, while Sarah Moraa also advanced following a successful appeal after being tripped during her race.
Outside Kenya’s races, Botswana’s Collen Kibinatshipi and Bayapo Ndori bagged medals in the men’s 400m, while American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new championship record of 47.78 to win the women’s 400m title in her debut since switching from hurdles.
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With Kenya’s top stars through to the finals, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the country’s proud distance running legacy.
