Kamar Etyang will be hoping to prove that his qualification for the Olympic Games in Tokyo was no fluke but hard work and endurance.
After missing out on the quadrennial event due to failure to undergo three mandatory anti-doping tests, Etyang was included in the 46-athlete Team Kenya set for the World Under 20 championships that kick off this morning at Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
Etyang will be accompanied by Vincent Keter in the title chase for the men’s 1,500m, hoping to retain the crown last won by George Manangoi during the last edition in 2018 in Tampere, Finland.
Jemutai and Chepkirui for 1,500m
As Etyang and Keter pursue glory in the men's category, Winnie Jemutai and Purity Chepkirui will be seeking to do the country proud in the women's division. The duo will be hoping to reclaim the title won by Ethiopian Alemaz Samuel in Tampere.
The top Kenyan in Tampere was Miriam Cherop who clinched silver. The last Kenyan to win gold in the junior category was two-time Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon in 2011 in Catalonia, Spain.
Jesire in high jump
Kenya’s Zeddy Jesire will be chasing a double title at the championships. As the country's sole representative in high jump and long jump, the Baringo county native will be hoping to transcend a path many other Kenyans have tried to follow without much success.
She will be taking on Belgium’s Merel Maes and France’s Laureen Maxwell.
In the men's division, it will be another opportunity for Sid Imani Varland in men’s high jump.
Bii, Maiyo for triple jump
Also in the field will be Winnie Chepngetich Bii and Winnie Fatuma who will compete in the triple jump.
For men, Dennis Maina and Justine Maiyo will be carrying Kenya's hopes for a medal in triple jump.
Maiyo gave a wide berth to his specialties, 200m and 400m, to focus on triple jump and was repaid when he qualified from the national trials after jumping 15.21m.
will be aiming for the triple jump title in the women category.
Africa under 18 400m silver medalist Linda Kageha and Titus Kiptoo Limo will be carrying Kenya’s flag in discus for ladies and men respectively.
A former footballer, Kahega will be seeking another medal in the women’s 4x400m relay.
Kahega, who won 400m silver and 800m bronze at the East Africa school games, played football for Bitagwa High School in Mogoga, Kisii County.
Race walkers
Margaret Gati and Herristone Wanyonyi will lead Kenyans in the women’s 10,000m race walk in women and men races respectively.
The duo are the country's only representatives in the walk races at the championships.
Sprint/field events
Kennedy Kimeu, Edwin Kipyegon and Elkanah Kiprotich will fly the Kenyan flag in 400m as they plan to dominate the sprints.
Maureen Akisa will be Kenya's sole representative in the women’s shot-put.
The former Ulinzi Starlets player has been juggling between football and shot put since her secondary school days at Aboloi High School in Teso, Busia County.
Kenya’s representative in the men’s shot-put, Dominic Kiprotich, started competing in the discipline back in 2015 while in primary school. He initially tried out javelin but he didn’t like it and opted for shot put.
Long distance favourites
In the women's 3,000m, Teresia Muthoni and Zena Jemutai will be in action to reclaim the title last won by Mercy Chebwogen.
In the men's 3,000m, Bernard Kibet Yegon and Daniel Kinyanjui will fly the national flag.
Back in the field, Africa Youth Games javelin champion Martha Musai will be chasing the javelin record to maintain her national record of 54:12m.
The former sprint student at Katuli Primary School, Musai threw 49.30m, missing the 50.50m qualification mark, but was named to the team after winning in the category.
The team of 24 men and 22 women to represent Kenya at the world under 20 championships
Men
High Jump: Sid Markus
Discus: Titus Kiptoo
High Jump: Dennis Maina
Shot Put: Dominic Kiprotich
Javelin: Wilson Letunyie
10,000m walk: Harrington Wanyonyi
400m Hurdles: Peter Kithome, Allocious Kipngetich
110m Hurdles: Patrick Muindi
3000m: Bernard Kibet, Daniel Kinyanjui
100m: Sylvester Simiyu
400m: Elkanah Kiprotich, Edwin Kipyegon
1500m: Vincent Keter, Kamar Etyang
200m: Jonathan Muasya
5,000m: Levi Kibet, Benson Kiplangat
800m: Noah Kibet, Emmanuel Wanyonyi
3000m Steeplechase: Simon Kiprop, Amos Serem
Women
High Jump: Zeddy Chesire
Discus: Linda Kageha
Javelin: Martha Musaai
Triple Jump: Fatuma Winny
Long Jump: Zeddy Chesire
Shot Put: Maureen Milka
10,000m walk: Margaret Gati
400m Hurdles: Agnes Ngumbi
100m Hurdles: Agnes Ngumbi
5,000m: Maurine Cherotich, Zena Jeptoo
100m: Mercy Chebet
400m: Sylvia Chelangat
3000m: Teresia Muthoni, Zena Jemutai
1500m: Purity Chepkurui, Winnie Jemutai
200m: Louise Morara
800m: Sheila Chepkosgei, Brenda Chebet
3000m Steeplechase: Jackline Chepkoech, Faith Cherotich
