Kenya on the roll in Douala Continental championships
Athletics
By
Dennis Okeyo
| Jun 25, 2024
Kenya looked primed to consolidate their continental athletics prowess on the third day of the CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Douala Cameroon.
Sarah Moraa and Kipgentich Ng'eno clinched Kenya's first gold medals at the championships being staged at Stade De Japoma.
A championships' conditions once again proved to be a challenge for participants. From late programme changes, delay starts to poor sounds, it all made life difficult for the athletes.
Despite the challenges, Moraa led a 1-2 Kenyan finish in women's 800m, clocking 2:00.27 as national champion Lilian Odira clinched silver in 2:00.36. Moroccan Soukaina Hajji bagged bronze after clocking 2:00.91.
"We tried to push, because our target was to help Moraa get the Olympics qualification, but it didn't work as planned, however, we are glad with our 1-2 gold and silver finish," said Odira.
"Now, my focus will be to go home and be with my family briefly before joining the Kenyan Olympic camp for our Paris Game preparations."
Ng'eno produced a gun-to-tape performance to win the men's race in 1:45.02.
Botswana's Kethobogile Hanguira won silver after clocking 1:45.54, while Ugandan Tom Dradriga finished third in 1:46.01.
"I'm satisfied with this results. My next move will be Diamond League races, because I didn't make the Kenya Olympic team," said Ngeno.
In the men's 3000m steeplechase, Mathew Kosgei won silver, with compatriot Edmund Serem, the younger brother to Amos Serem, taking home the bronze medal.
Ugandan Leonard Chemutai ran away with gold in 8:21.30.
In men's 400m, Bonface Mweresa narrowly missed the podium with his 45.62 performance in fourth place.
Meanwhile Edwin Too handed Kenya its first African decathlon medal in four decades.