Yomi Omogbeja
Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech, the World 3000m steeplechase record-holder, demonstrated her dominance in her specialty event, taking control after the first lap to win the title at the African Games Accra 2023.
Chepkoech took control after the first lap with Uganda’s Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai closely pursuing her.
The Ethiopian trio of Lomi Muleta, Sembo Almayew, and Firehiwot Gesese tried in vain to catch up with them as Chepkoech and Chemutai soon distanced themselves from the rest of the field.
The world silver medallist from Budapest maintained her lead over Chemutai to cross the finish line in a new African Games record of 9:15.61, breaking the previous mark (9:31.99) set by her compatriot Ruth Bosibori barefooted in Algiers on 20 July 2007.
Chemutai settled for the silver medal in 9:16.07, finishing almost 10 seconds ahead of Muleta, who claimed the bronze medal for Ethiopia.
In the women’s 10,000m race, Kenya’s Janeth Chepngetich outfoxed her Ethiopian opponents, who outnumbered her three to one to win in in 33:37.00. Wede Kefale claimed the silver medal for Ethiopia with 33:38.37.
