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Kenya: Keter, Lemama Lead Charge for U-20 1,500m Crown

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4 years ago

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Africa junior 1,500 metres champion Vincent Keter and Emmanuel Lemama are out to ensure Kenya retains the World Athletics Under 20 title during the August 17-22 championships at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Kenya’s George Manangoi clocked 3:41.71 to win gold three years when the event was held in Tampere, Finland. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen was second in 3:41.49, while another Kenyan, Justus Soget, finished third after timing 3:42.14.

Keter, who has been training at Rongai Athletics Training Camp in Kajiado County in the company of world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot, is confident of good results at the Kasarani meet.

He said that Cheruiyot saw his potential in athletics and invited him to join the camp. His target is a gold medal.

“The race will be competitive because European opponents have been a big challenge in the middle distance races. I’m working on endurance,” said Keter, who won the race during the national trials held at Kasarani from July 1-3.

In 2018 during the national trials for the Finland World Championships, Keter finished fourth.

After the setback, he intensified training which yielded good results at this year’s trials.

Keter said that by participating in Diamond League races last season, he has gained confidence.

Born in Chesoen,in Bomet County, Keter started his running career at Chesoen Primary School when he was in Standard Seven. When he joined Chesoen Secondary School, he specialised in 800m.