Frankline Kibet and Nehemiah Kipngeno celebrate the 1-2 finish for Kenya in 5,000m. [World Athletics]
Kenya’s youngsters produced an impressive performance on the opening day of the 2026 World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Frankline Kibet opened the country’s gold medal account yesterday morning after making a huge statement in the men’s 5,000m, winning Kenya’s first gold medal of the championships in style.
Kibet led Nehemiah Kipngeno to a commanding gold-silver finish for Kenya, successfully defending the title won by Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi at the 2024 edition in Lima, Peru.
In total, Kenyan athletes won three medals on the opening day and capped off their performance with a strong showing in the first round of the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.
Before Kibet and Kipngeno completed Kenya’s dominance in the men’s 5,000m, Joyline Chepkemoi had secured a bronze medal in the women’s race.