Kenya’s charges in the men's 4x400m have qualified for the finals due on Sunday, August 22 after finishing first in the second heat.
In the first lap, Joshua Wanyonyi finished second behind his Jamaican opponent; however, when he handed over the baton to Elkana Kiprotich, Kiprotich maneuvered his way to the front in the second lap, creating a good chance for Kenya to win the heat.
Kennedy Kimeu who took over the race in the third lap finished second, but it was Peter Kithome who anchored Kenya to victory after breezing through the final lap in electric speed clocking 3:05.77.
Jamaica finished second in 3:05.82 as Botswana claimed the last automatic qualifying place in 3:06.33.
Kithome expressed confidence that the quartet would deliver a gold medal for Kenya at the finals.
“It was a good race with a good fight from everyone. We were also testing how strong the opposition is, and from how we ran, I am confident we shall win the gold medal at home,” stated Kimeu.
Kiprotich also stated: “Missing out on mixed relays after disqualification has inspired us to work hard in this one. We shall strategize on how to run in the final, and we hope to win,”