Kenyan masters extend strong display at global show in Daegu
The Star · unknown author · 2026-08-26T02:42:20+00:00 · nguồn gốc
The Kenyan masters contingent continued its dazzling start to the World Masters Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, with Sylvia Chesebe, Betty Chebet, Florence Chepsoi and Rosaline David adding more glitter to the nation’s growing medal haul.
The global championships, which got underway on August 22 and run until September 3, have showcased the remarkable versatility and enduring class of Kenya’s veteran athletes across both track and field disciplines.
Tuesday morning saw Kenya’s medal momentum gather even more pace as Florence Chepsoi struck gold in the W40 5,000m.
Chepsoi clocked 18:19.37 to fed off American April Lund (18:24.24) and Ireland’s Rachel Murphy claimed bronze in 19:38.78.
"I thank God for this victory, the race was tough but I managed to settle in well all the way to the finish line. I would like to thank the entire management of the Athletics Kenya Masters for the selection to represent my country here in Daegu," said debutant Chepsoi.
In the W45 5,000m, Rosaline David produced a dominant front-running display to win gold in 18:57.20.
Laetitia Bonnechorgue (20:03.04) of France was second, with Britain’s Madeline Plieth taking bronze in 20:08.84.
The only setback for Kenya came in the M60 800m final, where James Sigei clocked 2:34.08 to finish 12th.
On Monday, Chesebe produced a commanding performance to storm to victory in the W35 800m, crossing the line in 2:09.87, followed by Australia’s Nicolette Hargrave (2:11.26), while and Stephanie Araya of Spain (2:14.57).
The triumph marked a significant improvement from Chesebe’s previous World Masters appearance in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2024, where she earned bronze in the W35 800m before adding another bronze in the W35 4x400m relay.
Elsewhere, Chebet delivered Kenya’s first field-event gold after unleashing a winning throw of 42.44m in the W35 discus.
Australia’s Morgan Vosilla settled for silver with 39.70m, while Malaysia’s Jeng Yap completed the podium with 38.76m.
In the W40 800m, Grace Kidake battled for silver in 2:18.75, finishing behind Benin’s Noelie Yarigo, who dominated the race in 2:10.55. Britain’s Sian Lewis took bronze in 2:18.98.
Kenya’s golden campaign begun on Saturday through veteran race walker Eric Sikuku and distance ace Peter Wanjiru.
Sikuku struck first, powering to victory in the M50 10km race walk in 49:35.
The decorated race walker comfortably held off Puerto Rico’s Melvin Mercado, who claimed silver in 54:16, while India’s Biju Pudussery secured bronze in 55:40.
Wanjiru followed with a masterclass in endurance, cruising to the M40 10,000m title in 31:14.
He finished well clear of Tunisia’s Hoykel Sboui (32:45), while Italy’s Umberto Persin completed the podium in 33:06.
Gold Medalists
Rosaline David – Women’s 5000m – 18:57.20
Florence Chepsoi - Women's 5000m -
Eric Shikuku - Men's M50 10 km Race Walk - 49:35
Peter Wanjiru Men's M40 10,000m 1:14
Sylvia Chesebe – Women's W35 800m – 2.09
Betty Chebet - Gold Women's W35 Discus (42.44)
Silver Medalists
Grace Kidake - Women's W40 800 - 2.18.75
Lewnida Agatha– Women’s 5000