Kenyans faced setbacks in Nanjing as key athletes exited early, impacting the nation’s medal hopes at the global event.
Kenya's medal ambitions at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing took a major hit on Saturday after all three of the country's representatives in the 800m category—Lilian Odira, Alex Ngeno Kipngetich and Noah Kibet—were eliminated at the semi-final stage, ending hopes of podium finishes in the middle-distance event.
Lilian Odira, who had impressed in the heats to reach the women’s 800m semi-final, struggled in her race and finished a disappointing sixth in Heat 1, clocking 2:16.12—far outside the top three required for qualification.
The race was dominated by Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma and Nigist Getachew, along with Portugal’s Patricia Silva, all of whom booked their slots in the final with sub-2:05 performances
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
)
20:10 - 22.03.2025
Mary Moraa takes unexpected leap beyond track ahead of 2025 season
Mary Moraa has embarked on an unexpected journey beyond the track as she prepares for the 2025 season.
Odira, a silver medallist at the African Championships, had entered the semis full of optimism but was unable to match the pace set by her competitors in a tactical and high-tempo heat. Her elimination now leaves Kenya without a finalist in the women’s 800m at the indoor global showpiece.
The disappointment extended to the men’s 800m, where both Alex Ngeno Kipngetich and Noah Kibet failed to progress past the semi-finals.
Kipngetich, the reigning African champion, clocked 1:47.53 to finish sixth in Heat 3, while Kibet was fourth in Heat 1 with a time of 1:48.90. The top two in each heat earned automatic qualification, making the Kenyan duo’s times insufficient to continue.
)
17:44 - 22.03.2025
'I have to be true to myself'- South Africa's Bayanda Walaza insists as he aims for 2025 dominance
Bayanda Walaza is determined to dominate the 2025 season by staying focused and true to himself as he transitions into senior-level competition.
Their exit marks a stark contrast to the promise shown in Friday’s heats, where both had secured top-three finishes.
But Saturday’s semis featured a stronger field, with USA’s Josh Hoey blazing through in 1:45.23, the fastest time of the round, and compatriot Brandon Miller also making the cut alongside finalists from Uganda, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain.
Kenya’s last hope in the middle-distance events now rests on Susan Ejore, who qualified for the women’s 1,500m final after finishing third in her heat with a time of 4:12.41.
)
17:34 - 22.03.2025
Ferdinand Omanyala makes big prediction about South African teen sensation Bayanda Walaza
South Africa’s 19-year-old sprint sensation Bayanda Walaza has been turning heads in recent days and African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala is among those who have taken notice.
The final will take place on Sunday, with Ejore carrying the nation’s final hopes in the indoor competition’s middle-distance races. Her compatriot Dorcus Ewoi was unable to travel to Nanjing due to documentation issues.
Elsewhere, Purity Gitonga is set to compete in the women’s 3,000m final from 2:15 pm today, while Cornelius Kemboi will take to the track for the men’s 3,000m final at 2:33 pm. Both athletes will be aiming to salvage Kenya’s medal tally at the championships.
)
16:46 - 22.03.2025
Daniel Komen: How training in London with Mo Farah & Linford Christie shaped a legend
Daniel Komen has credited training in London alongside legends like Mo Farah and Linford Christie for shaping his record-breaking middle-distance career.
Kenya sent a team of nine athletes—four women and five men—to the global event, which concludes on Sunday.