Inspired by double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon, Purity Chepkirui sprinted to victory in the women’s 1500m race at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, crossing the line in a time of 4mins 16.07secs.
Chepkirui stood off pressure from Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji to clinch the title as compatriot Winnie Jemutai came home third for bronze.
“This was my first time ever to represent Kenya and I am really proud to have won. It was a very tough race especially at the end when the Ethiopian started to push, but I was determined to win gold and I couldn’t let go,” Chepkirui said after the race.
“I am always inspired by Faith and I want to be like her one day, and even maybe beat her,” added the 18-year old with a smile on her face.
After being swirled into a group for most of the race, the two Kenyans, Ethiopia’s Welteji and compatriot Hiwot Mehari moved upfield at the bell. Chepkirui was leading the pack with Jemutai second and Welteji third.
At the back-straight, Jemutai dropped off with Welteji now running in Chepkirui’s shadow. At the homestretch the Ethiopian closed in on the gap, but hearing the cheers from the small crowd at the stadium, Chepkirui pumped in the pace and withheld the late pressure to clinch victory.
Welteji was second in 4mins, 16.39secs while Jemutai was third in 4mins, 18.99secs.
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