Kenya tops Africa at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
As curtains closed at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo yesterday, Kenya finished second behind United States of America, topping Africa.
Team Kenya collected 11 medals, seven of them gold, to secure the runner-up spot on the medal standings as the US took first place with a bigger tally across events.
Beatrice Chebet was one of the standout performers, winning double gold medals.
Chebet claimed the women’s 10,000m title in 30:37.61 to deliver Kenya’s first gold in Tokyo. She later doubled her triumph with victory in the women’s 5000m.
Peres Jepchirchir added to Kenya’s tally with a strong run in the women’s marathon. She crossed the line in 2:24:43 to beat Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in a tight finish.
Jepchirchir’s win was Kenya’s second gold of the championships and reaffirmed her dominance in road racing.
Faith Kipyegon also lived up to expectations by storming to victory in the women’s 1500m.
The three-time Olympic Gold medal champion added another global title to her glittering career making her fourth World Championship gold medal as she claimed a Silver in the 5000 race.
Kenya’s strength in the steeplechase was once again evident after Faith Cherotich powered to gold in the women’s 3000m steeplechase in a championship record of 8:51.59.
While Kenya’s men team performed dismally at the competition, Emmanuel Wanyonyi struck gold in the men’s 800m.
He clocked 1:41.86, another championship record, to finish ahead of a competitive field. His win was celebrated as a breakthrough moment for the rising star.
The Kenya men’s 4 by 100 team also made history by getting into the Semifinals though they lost to the USA after a rerun to determine who moved to the finals.
Yesterday during the final day of the championships saw Lilian Odira deliver a dramatic win in the women’s 800m.
She clocked 1:54.62 to set yet another championship record and secure Kenya’s seventh gold medal.
The nine-day global competition began on September 13 and concluded on September 21 at the Japan National Stadium.
The victory lifted Kenya’s medal haul to 11 and confirmed their second-place finish overall.
The Kenyan team’s performance drew praise at home, with leaders and fans lauding the athletes for flying the country’s flag high.
President William Ruto led celebrations, saying the athletes had once again demonstrated Kenya’s resilience and excellence on the global stage.
”Well done, Team Kenya! You have conquered the global stage at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo; finishing second in the world and proudly claiming first in Africa!
With an incredible 11 medals including 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze, you have written yet another golden chapter in our nation’s sporting history,” the Head of State congratulated the team.
“You have flown our flag high, silenced every doubter, and shown the world that Kenya is not just a country of runners, but a nation of champions; a people who rise, conquer, and shine with unmatched excellence. I am beyond proud of you. Kenya is proud. Africa is proud,” he added
