Dominic Kipkemboi leading in men 1500m. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The Kenyan duo of Dominic Kipkemboi and George Manangoi are expected to deliver the host country's first gold medal when they line up in the boys’ 1500m final at the ongoing IAAF World Under-18 Championships at Moi Stadium, Kasarani this evening.
Manang’oi is tipped to follow in the footsteps of his senior brother Elijah Manag’oi, the world silver medallist over the distance.
The two won their respective heats with Kipkemboi leading from the gun to the tape, clocking 3:48.77.
“I am very impressed only that I got a small injury and almost stopped towards the finish line. However there is still more to be done as finals beckon on Friday,” Kipkemboi said.
He beat Oussama Cherrad of Algeria to second in 3:48.93 as Ethiopia’s Abebe Dessassa finished third in 3:49.58.
The 1500m event has been Kenya’s most cherished race which they have continued to dominate at the international stage, year-in, year-out.
Manangoi clocked 3:55.00 in heat two, defeating Ethiopia’s Belete Mekonen in second in 3:56.31 as Daniel Kiprop of Uganda came third in 3:58.68.
“I believe in myself and you saw I didn’t want to strain. Kipkemboi beat me in the national trials but we will be teaming up in the final to deliver medals for the country,” he said.
It is race in which Kenya and Ethiopia are expected to extend their rivalry in the age-group cadre. Uganda and Algeria are also expected to give the Kenyan team a run for the money.