Sunday, August 24, 2014

Kwemoi finally strikes gold in Nanjing

KWEMOI-GOLD-NANJING NAIROBI, Kenya, August 25 – Gilbert Kwemoi finally hit the golden jackpot for Kenya at the second Youth Olympic Games after taking the honours in the men’s 1500m.


Moses Koech bagged bronze in the men’s 3000m for the country’s second medal at the ongoing global competition in Nanjing, China.


Jackline Chepkoech surrendered Kenya’s women 3000m title after finishing sixth as Maureen Nyatichi’s hopes of making history as the first winner of the women’s 200m dissipated after placing just outside the medals to wrap an action packed Sunday.


Kwemoi continued with his brilliant performance in the metric mile race after winning gold in a new career best of 3:41.99 having set his previous benchmark during the semi finals of these championships.


Ethiopian Mulegeta Asefa followed in his slipstream for silver in 3:45.08 way off the pace as Djibouti’s Ismail Ibrahim settled for bronze after running to his personal best of 3:45.72.


In the men 3000m, Koech took the bronze in 8:06.33 in a final won by Ethiopia’s Atomsa Kejelcha (7:56.20) trailed home by Burundian Thiery Ndikumwenayo (8:06.05).


However, the corresponding women’s event saw Chepkoech faded badly to sixth in 9:20.43 in a race won by Japanese runner Takamatsu Musembi who has Kenyan roots, in 9:01.58 (PB).


In the women longer dash Nyatichi’s heroic run ended in fourth in 24.43 as Jamaica’s Wyte Natallian (23.55) took the gold.


Kenya will be seeking to increase her medal tally on Monday when World Youth champion Rosefline Chepng’etich competes in the women’s 2000m steeple chase.


The World Junior silver medallist who ran her lifetime best of 6:20.10 to book the final ticket will be looking to graduate to the senior on a high.


Amos Kirui will compete in the corresponding men’s event while Winfred Mbithe will be up to challenge the women’s 1500m title.




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