Kenya finishes second in Eugene with 11 medals at World U20s

Team Kenya concluded its campaign at the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Monday morning by finishing second on the global medal table. The nation secured a total of 11 medals, consisting of four gold, three silver, and four bronze. The United States finished at the top of the standings with 24 medals.

Kenya was the highest-ranked African nation at the championships. Ethiopia followed in fifth place on the overall table with six medals. The performance highlighted the depth of talent available within the Kenyan junior ranks.

Four athletes secured gold medals during the competition. Frankline Kibet won the men’s 5,000m, while Emmanuel Kiprono took the men’s 3,000m title. Wilson Chepkwech won the men’s 1,500m, and Josephine Sembeyo claimed gold in the women’s 1,500m.

The silver medalists included David Kapaiko in the men’s 1,500m, Nehemiah Kipng’eno in the men’s 5,000m, and Emmanuel Lemiso in the men’s 3,000m. Four bronze medals were also added to the tally through Nicholas Kitum in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Caren Chepchirchir in the women’s 1,500m, Joyline Chepkemoi in the women’s 5,000m, and Anatasha Cheptoo in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.

Barnaba Korir, the Athletics Kenya chair for Youth Development, praised the athletes for their determination and for representing the country with pride. He described the results as a demonstration of the talent present in the junior ranks and a sign of a bright future for the nation's athletics. Korir also congratulated the coaches, support staff, and families involved in nurturing the young champions.