Trending 
Kenyan long-distance runner Janeth Chepngetich delivered a stunning performance at the Kenyan national trials on Tuesday, clinching the women’s 10,000 m title and securing her first-ever appearance at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 26-year-old victor outpaced formidable competition, including world record holders Agnes Jebet Ngetich (10 km road run) and Beatrice Chebet (5,000 m), clocking in at an impressive 30 minutes, 27.02 seconds.
Chepngetich, who clarified she has no relation to the women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich (currently provisionally suspended for doping), expressed her delight at the win.
She told reporters, “I had set a strategy from the beginning. I wanted to control the pace and offer a chance to my competitors… But in the end, I managed to nail the victory.” This triumph is particularly significant for Chepngetich, as it serves as redemption after she narrowly missed out on qualification for the Paris Olympics last year, finishing fourth in those trials.
Despite her third-place finish, Beatrice Chebet was pleased with her result, which guaranteed her a third World Championships appearance.
In other notable events, Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich showcased her winning form in the women’s 3,000-metre steeplechase. T
The 21-year-old secured victory in a time of 9:09.44, comfortably ahead of Doris Lemngole (9:24:69) and Caren Chebet (9:34.91), signalling a strong comeback after her recent loss to Bahraini rival Winfred Yavi in Eugene.
The men’s steeplechase saw world under-20 champion Edmund Serem atone for his elder brother Amos Serem’s injury-forced absence, winning the race in 8:38.91.
Edmund conveyed a poignant message, stating, “It was a difficult moment for me knowing that Brother Amos would have also taken part in these trials. But winning here today is a consolation for him, too. I am going to Tokyo to win a medal for him.”
The 2023 Diamond League winner, Simon Kiprop Koech, finished second in 8:39.97, with world and Olympic bronze medallist Abraham Kibiwott securing third place.
Finally, in the 1,500m event, rising star Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, an 18-year-old sensation who recently defeated reigning world champion Josh Kerr in London, withdrew from his race due to fatigue.
Despite this, Koech is still expected to be included in the Tokyo squad.
The 1,500m race itself was won by Reynold Cheruiyot in a relatively slow time of 3:48.86, with 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot taking second in 3:49.07, just ahead of Brian Komen.
