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Kenya picks 26 runners for world youth championships

Xinhua, June 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

There was no big upsets as Kenya on Wednesday picked a strong squad of 26 athletes for the World Youth Championships in Cali, Colombia in July.

The country's production line remains active as most top athletes at this elementary competition proved their mantle to claim their maiden or second ticket to compete at the global arena.

It's a confirmation of no dearth in talent, especially in middle and long distance races, if the time set and level of competition at this age is anything to go by.

Kenya team will be led by Africa Youth Champions Emily Chebet, Sandra Felis Chebet and Vicent Kipyegon.

Having already excelled at this year's Africa Youth Championship in Mauritius, the trio led a team of 26 to Cali, where they will come up against other younger athletes from U.S., China, Jamaica, Russia, Canada and the host Colombia.

The World Championships will be in Cali City in Colombia from July 15-19.

"I am happy to make the team. It will be my second international event and am hopeful to claim another gold in steeplechase," said Chebet in Nairobi.

Having won at Africa Youth Championships, Chebet had no real challenge in Nairobi on Wednesday as she won her ticket to world youth event.

Chebet won the girl's 2000m water and hurdle race clocking 6:16.19 followed by Celephine Chespol who clocked 6:16.19.

In the corresponding boy's 2,000m final, another Africa youth champion 2000m Vincent Kipyegon, timed 5:27.17 ahead of Geoffrey Rotich (5:30.17)

"Since coming back from Mauritius in April, I have been working extra hard to secure this ticket to Cali, now it's here. Now, I will be eyeing the top performance at the World Youth," said Kipyegon.

Extra ordinary times were recorded in the boy's 800m when Willy Tarbei clocked 1:44.51 followed by Kipyegon Bett 1:44.55. The duo missed world lead time of 1.43.98 narrowly.

In the 1,500m, Africa youth bronze medalist Janeth Jepngetich (4:20.12) won the race despite a strong challenge from Joyline Cherotich (4:20.89).

Athletics Kenya Acting-President Jack Tuweii said Kenya chances to dominate in Colombia were high.

"Competing at the world stage means a lot, and must be taken seriously, all the effort must be kept in order to bringing medals home," said Tuweii.

The team will start training in Nairobi on June 21, and will be coach by Robert Ngisirei. Endi