Kenya’s young track stars signed off their athletics campaign at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on a high, finishing third overall with five medals after an impressive display of talent and determination on the global stage.
The nation hauled in three gold and two silver medals to finish behind Ethiopia, which topped the athletics medal standings with eight medals (five gold and three silver), while China finished second with nine (three gold, four silver and two bronze).
On Tuesday evening, Abigael Chepkirui claimed Kenya’s only medal on the final day, striking silver in the women’s 1,500m.
Chepkirui clocked 4:29.86, behind Ethiopia’s Elsabet Amare, who stormed to gold in 4:28.02, while Eritrea’s Kanari Estifanos settled for bronze in 4:31.10.
Despite missing out on gold, Chepkirui was delighted to have secured a place on the podium, admitting that the challenging conditions made the race particularly demanding. “The race wasn’t easy because of the high temperatures, but God has enabled me to run and come in second. I was so happy. I didn’t expect to be second,” she said.
“I am so proud to run for my country, and next time I want to win the gold medal.”
The youngster also drew inspiration from world 5,000m and 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet, whom she identified as her role model and a source of motivation. “I would say Beatrice Chebet. I want to run and achieve the things she did. She came from the same training camp I am in now, and I see her as a pioneer I can follow,” she said.
Chepkirui said the experience in Daka also taught her valuable lessons that she hopes to carry into her athletics career, especially the importance of discipline and courage.
“I have learned that when someone has discipline and courage, she can do anything. I believe that I will be able to do more in future and win more competitions,” she added.
David Kapaiko, the 2026 World Under-20 1,500m silver medallist, fell short of the podium in the boys’ 800m also on Tuesday, finishing fifth in 1:53.61.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Abebe (1:48.99) led an East African sweep of the podium, with Eritrea’s Yonas Ghebreab (1:49.31) taking silver and Uganda’s Timothy Cheptoyek (1:51.59) claiming bronze.
Cecilia Njeri Wainaina, meanwhile, endured a difficult outing in the girls’ 5,000m race walk as she was disqualified. China’s Yaru Wang led the podium after clocking 22:58.33, ahead of Lithuania’s Juste Andrijauskaite (23:55.0) and Ukraine’s Daryna Kozka (23:58.96).
Enock Tuitoek and Faith Rono, who struck gold in the boys’ and girls’ 3,000m, respectively, while Abigael Kosgei clinched gold in the girls’ 2,000m steeplechase. Wesley Kipkech also added silver to Kenya’s medal haul in the boys’ 2,000m steeplechase.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) President Shadrack Maluki hailed the youngsters’ performances as a reflection of the country's rich athletics talent pool and the competitive spirit driving the next generation. “The performances at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are a powerful reminder of the depth of talent emerging from across the country and the competitive spirit that continues to define Kenyan athletics,” Maluki said.
The NOCK boss underscored the importance of identifying and nurturing talent. He noted that sustained investment in development programmes and coaching structures would be crucial in preparing the youngsters for the demands of international competition.
“These achievements go beyond the medals. They reflect the importance of identifying young talent early, investing in structured development programmes and strengthening the coaching systems that prepare athletes for international competition."
“At the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, we remain committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to develop, compete and realise their full potential,” he added.
Maluki described the rising stars as an encouraging glimpse into Kenya’s athletics future, particularly with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi on the horizon.
“As we set our sights on LA28 and the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, these young champions give us every reason to believe in the future of Kenyan athletics."
“The next generation is rising, and our responsibility is to ensure they have the support and opportunities to go even further,” he noted.
