By Copperfield Lagat
Youngster overcomes 3,000m disappointment to secure Kenya place for the World Under-20 Championships in Oregon
Nehemia Kipng’eno produced a remarkable comeback performance to win the men’s 5,000m race during the ongoing World Under-20 national trials at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, just a day after suffering disappointment in the 3,000m final.
The 19-year-old distance runner showed resilience and determination as he stormed to victory in 13:41.18, earning a coveted slot in Kenya’s team to the World Under-20 Championships scheduled for August 5–9 in Oregon, USA.
Kipng’eno had endured a frustrating outing in Friday’s 3,000m final where he finished eighth, but he refused to let the setback define his campaign at the national trials.
Redemption on the track
Speaking after the race, Kipng’eno admitted the disappointment from the 3,000m became the driving force behind his dominant display in the longer race.
“I did not give up after placing eighth in the 3,000m final and, to some extent, I can say it gave me more energy to do better today,” said Kipng’eno.
The race unfolded cautiously in the opening laps, with athletes reluctant to commit too early in a field packed with strong contenders. Kipng’eno, however, remained patient before making his move in the latter stages to pull away from his rivals.
He said the quality of athletes on the start list forced him to approach the race tactically.
“Coming into the race, there was talk that many of the athletes on the start list were in top form, and that made me afraid of breaking away too early,” he added.
Andrew Kiptoo finished second to also secure qualification for Kenya in the men’s 5,000m at the global championships.
Dream finally realised
For Kipng’eno, the victory marked a special moment in his young athletics career as he prepares to wear the Kenyan national colours for the first time on the international stage.
The former Keringet Secondary School student described the qualification as the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
“My dream has always been to run for my country, and I have finally achieved it,” he said with excitement.
The athlete currently trains in Japan under Graftia Management and is coached by Willy Lang’at, who has been instrumental in shaping his development in long-distance running.
Eyes on Oregon glory
With qualification now secured, Kipng’eno says his attention has shifted to preparations for Oregon, where he hopes to challenge for a medal against the world’s best junior athletes.
He revealed that improving his endurance, finishing speed and race tactics will be key areas of focus in the coming weeks as he intensifies training ahead of the championships.
Kenya will be banking on promising talents such as Kipng’eno to continue the country’s rich tradition of success in distance running on the global stage.
