Frankline Kibet wins the men's 5,000m at the World U20 championships/ HANDOUTNewly crowned World Under-20 5,000m champion Frankline Kibet says he is delighted to have handed Kenya the perfect start to its campaign at the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, after striking gold on Thursday morning.
Kibet lit up Hayward Field with a commanding display to deliver the country's first gold medal of the championships.
The youngster clocked 13:28.27 to storm to the men's Under-20 5,000m title, leading compatriot Nehemiah Kipng'eno to a memorable Kenyan one-two finish. Kipng'eno claimed silver in 13:30.09, while Ethiopia's Damitew Kebede settled for bronze in 13:35.38.
The Kenyan duo had been entrusted with defending the country's men's 5,000m crown after Andrew Alamisi powered to victory in Lima, Peru, in 2024, clocking 13:41.14. Ethiopia's Abdisa Fayisa had finished second in 13:41.56, with Uganda's Keneth Kiprop taking bronze in 13:41.73.
Having successfully retained Kenya's title and captured his second global junior crown, Kibet could not hide his delight. "I am so happy to have won this championship," Kibet said.
The victory comes just months after the youngster claimed his maiden global title at the World Cross Country Championships, on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, in the United States.
In Florida, Kibet clocked 23:18 to spearhead a Kenyan podium sweep, with Emmanuel Kiprono (23:20) and Alamisi (23:28) finishing second and third respectively.
Reflecting on winning two major global titles on American soil, Kibet credited his hard work after his cross-country triumph.
"I was so grateful to be able to win the World Cross Country Championships, and I went back and trained very well. That is why I was able to win this championship," he said.
Kipng'eno, meanwhile, was equally delighted after clinching silver against a stacked field of the world's finest junior distance runners. "I am so grateful that I could run a fast time at the world level, and I am so grateful to have won silver for my country," Kipng'eno said.
The youngster insisted he is already shifting his focus to future global assignments. "I thank the mighty God for this victory in these championships. I will work hard to prepare for the next big competition."
Meanwhile, Joyline Chepkemoi added a bronze medal to Kenya's tally after an impressive run in the women's 5,000m final.
Chepkemoi produced a personal best of 15:09.08 to finish third behind Uganda's Charity Cherop, who struck gold in 15:03.88, while Ethiopia's Shito Gumi claimed silver in 15:07.91.
Despite narrowly missing out on gold, Chepkemoi was pleased with her podium finish. "I have done well, so I am so happy. I was not expecting this, but I have done well," Chepkemoi said.
She also paid tribute to everyone who has supported her throughout her junior career. "I am proud of my country, and I thank everybody who supports us."
Among those she reserved special appreciation for was world 5,000m and 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet, whom she regards as her mentor. "I want to thank my mentor Beatrice Chebet, and I would like to tell her I will run like her," she said.
Chepkemoi, who is now making the transition into the senior ranks, adds the Eugene bronze to an already impressive and steadily growing trophy cabinet. The 19-year-old boasts an impressive résumé, highlighted by a bronze medal in the 3,000m at the 2025 African Under-20 Championships in Abeokuta, Nigeria, where she clocked 8:49.48.
She also possesses valuable cross-country pedigree, having helped Kenya's junior women's team secure silver at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia, before playing a key role in the senior women's team that claimed another silver medal in Tallahassee, Florida.
Meanwhile, Kenya's lone sprinter in the men's events, Louis Khawel, failed to make it past the 100m Round One after finishing fifth in Heat Eight, timing 10.51
