Kenya finished fifth as the curtains came down on the 2024 World Under-20 Championships on Sunday morning despite a commendable performance that saw them secure seven medals.
The Kenyan team collected three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal in a highly competitive field that saw the United States lead the medal tally.
The United States topped the charts with a total of 16 medals, including eight golds, reflecting their dominance two years ahead of hosting the next edition in Eugene, Oregon.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia, Kenya’s long-standing rival in long-distance track events, secured the second spot.
Among the standout performers for Kenya were gold medalists Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi in the 5000 meters, Edmund Serem in the 3000 meters steeplechase, and Sarah Moraa in the women’s 800 meters.
Silver medals for Kenya came through Denis Kipkoech in the 3000 meters, Matthew Kosgei in the 3000 meters steeplechase, and Marion Jepngetich in the women’s 3000 meters.
Additionally, Diana Chepkemoi added a bronze in the 3000 meters steeplechase rounding out Kenya’s medal haul.
The championships in Lima were not just about the competition; they also marked significant advancements in the athlete experience.
For the first time at a World Athletics U20 Championships, an Athlete Zone was introduced. This dedicated space provided athletes and their support networks with a variety of resources, including health and science information, safeguarding, and insights from the Athletics Integrity Unit.
The Athlete Zone was well-received,with more than 1,500 visitors enjoying its facilities, which included games, competitions, and educational sessions on topics such as social media and brand building.
Ethiopia’s record-setting performances came from Medina Eisa, who clocked a new championship record of 14:39.71 in the women’s 5000 meters, and Sembo Almayew, who shattered the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase record with a time of 9:12.71.
Other noteworthy achievements included the setting of new championship records by Tunisia’s Rayen Cherni in the men’s 10,000 meters race walk and Czechia’s Tomas Jarvinen in the decathlon, who scored an impressive 8425 points.
The global competition saw 20 countries clinching gold medals and 66 nations finishing in the top eight.
Thailand made a historic breakthrough, winning its first-ever medal at the championships — a silver in the men’s 100 meters by Puripol Boonson, who also contributed to his nation’s bronze medal in the 4×100 meters relay.
