Ostrava One Mile Champ Kibet Wins At AK Trials, Punching Ticket To Doha Worlds

NAIROBI, Kenya- Ostrava One Mile champion Michael Kibet clocked 13:26.83 to win men’s 5000m category at the Athletics Kenya’s national trials cum Doha World Championship Qualifier held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday.

Little known Kibet floored a star-studded field composed of Africa Games silver medalist Edward Zakayo, 10,000m World U-20 champion Rhonex Kipruto and former Commonwealth Games steeplechase winner Jonathan Ndiku.

“It has been 14 years since Kenya bagged gold medal in this event at the worlds, my victory today is an indication that a new chapter is about to be written in the category. I will be out to break the jinx in Doha,” Kibet warned.

READ MORE: Kamworor, Obiri Punch Tickets To IAAF Doha World Championships

The Iten-based athlete, who boasts of a 13:11.00 personal best, said he elaborately planned for the trials, spending three months in training ahead of the showdown.

“My strategy, which was to start the race at the tail-end, then move to second place in the last three laps before unleashing a finishing kick in the final round completely worked out.

“I thank my coach William Koila for helping me to execute this plan in training,” he underlined.

World record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech, world U-20 title-holder Celiphine Chespol and Hyvin Kiyeng had a photo finish in women’s 3000m steeplechase which they declared they will dominate in the Doha worlds slated for September to October 6.

Men’s 5000m Final

1.Michael Kibet 13:26.83

2.Daniel Simiyu 13:27.95

3.Nicholas Kipkorir 13:27.99

4.Jacob Kiprop 13:31.24

5.Richard Kimunyan 13:39.25

Women’s 400m Hurdles Final

1. Vanice Kerubo 59.65

2. Gladys Ngure 1:01.54

3. Betty Chelagat 1:07.65