Kenya’s Purity Chepkirui and Winnie Jemutai have qualified for the women’s 1500m final after easily qualifying from their heats at the ongoing World Athletics Under-20 Championships at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Chepkirui won the second heat in 4:22.10, beating Ethiopian Hiwot Mehari who finished second clocking 4:22.37 while Moroccan Meryeme Azrour clocked 4:24.50 finishing third.
In Heat 1, Jemutai emerged second clocking 4:26.47 behind Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji who won the heat a few seconds before Jemutai.
“I wasn’t afraid of anyone, and that is why I got stuck to the front, which is the safest,” said Chepkirui, adding that she is happy that her compatriot Jemutai also qualified for the final.
The duo will now be eyeing to recapture the 1,500m title that Kenya last won in 2012 Barcelona through the current Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Chepng'etich.
“We shall plan on how to deliver victory this time around since nine years is a long time, I need to recapture this title since it has been long,” said Chepkirui.
With the finals due on Sunday, August 22nd, Chepkirui stated the need for teamwork in order to win the battle between Kenya and Ethiopia.
“Now that I am in the final, it will be a battle for gold knowing that the opposition is strong. We are using speed as our weapon in this race. We have seen how the Ethiopians are running, and it does not bother us at all. Despite having an Olympian on the field, we know a 1-2 for Kenya is very possible," stated the optimistic sprinter.