Fast-rising Kenyan athlete, Margaret Gati will be seeking to make history at the upcoming World U-20 Athletics Championships starting Monday, August 1 to Saturday, August 6 this year at the Estadio Olimpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia.
The 19-year-old comfortably won the women’s walking race at the Athletics Kenya trials at the Nyayo National Stadium to qualify for the championships.
She reached the tape at a personal best time of 49:14.80.
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Gati registered a sixth-place finish at the 2020 World U-20 championships staged at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.
The race was won by Mexico’s Sofia Ramos Rodriguez while France’s Maele Bire-Heslouis and Czech Republic’s Eliska Martinkova came second and third respectively.
Speaking after the race, Gati revealed that she will be seeking to revenge in Colombia.
“I was tactical in the opening laps where I did not push myself that much. I am extremely happy to qualify and represent Kenya next month.
“After losing, I gave myself a challenge that this year I want to run well in Colombia. I want revenge against those girls who beat me in Kasarani” stated Gati.
In other events at Nyayo National Stadium, Samuel Wanjiru was victorious in the 5000m race. The Japan-based athlete ran a well-calculated race to emerge the winner in a competitive race. Wanjiru trains and studies in Kurashiki, Japan.
In the 5000m race, Maureen Cherotich crossed the finishing line ahead of Jane Ghati and Deborah Chemtai.
Reigning world champion Purity Chepkirui won the 1500m race ahead of Brenda Chebet despite not feeling well.
In the men’s event, Daniel Kimaiyo who trains alongside Levi Kibet and the fast-rising 800m runner Emmanuel Wanyonyi comfortably won the race.
The trio is under the tutelage of Janet Jepkosgei, a former world champion. Winnie Chepngetich made history yesterday by becoming the first Kenyan to qualify for the world championships in the Women’s long jump.
Chepngetich credited her coach Caroline Kola for the impressive performance. She also thanked Athletic Kenya for making it possible for her to train in Miramas, France.