Kenya’s campaign at the World Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland, got off to a mixed start on day one of the three-day global showdown, with two middle-distance stars falling early.
In the women’s 800m, both of Kenya’s representatives fell short of the semi-final cut scheduled for Saturday at 2 pm. From the qualifying heats, only the first two athletes across the line alongside the six fastest losers secured passage into the semis.
In Heat One, US-based Rosemary Longisa faded down the home straight to finish fifth in 2:03.48, missing out on progression in a stacked race.
That heat was bossed by world record holder Keely Hodgkinson, who dictated proceedings with authority to clock 2:00.32, ahead of Switzerland’s Valentina Rosamilia (2:01.15), while Croatia’s Nina Vukovic sealed third in 2:01.53.
Longisa, a student at Washington State University pursuing Sports Management, admitted that the race tested her limits. “The race was good but a bit tough. It was a good experience for me, and I felt good,” she said.
She, however, took pride in donning national colours on the global stage for the first time. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the semis, but I am still grateful and glad to represent my country, as well as having my first experience on the international stage,” she added.
In Heat Two, fellow US-based runner Gladys Chepngetich also bowed out after placing fifth in 2:02.23, as the pace proved unforgiving. Norway’s Pernille Antonsen stormed to victory in 2:00.77, with Jamaica’s Natoya Goule-Toppin (2:01.32) and Spain’s Rocio Arroyo (2:01.35) completing the top three.
Chepngetich pointed to fatigue after a demanding NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) schedule as a key factor in her performance. “It was my debut at the World Championships. Running against professional athletes is hard, but I tried my best,” she said. “I feel I was tired from competing in the NCAA. I have been travelling since Sunday.”
The 24-year-old remains optimistic, viewing the outing as a vital learning curve. “I did not make it to the semis, but I will try my best next time,” she added.
In the men’s 800m, however, 2022 World indoor silver medallist Noah Kibet produced a dominant display to win Heat Six in 1:45.84 to lead Poland’s Maciej Wyderka (1:46.15) and American Sean Dolan (1:46.17). The 21-year-old will line up in the semis set for 3 pm.
Earlier on Friday morning, national 400m record holders Mercy Oketch and Brian Tinega had kicked off Kenya’s charge to a flying start.
In the women’s 400m, Oketch powered into the semi-finals after a composed run, clocking 51.57 to finish second behind the Czech Republic’s Lurdes
Manuel (51.08). From the 400m heats, only the first two automatic qualifiers, alongside the two fastest losers, advanced. Despite safely navigating the opening round, Oketch admitted she is still adapting to the unique demands of indoor competition.
“I am hoping for the best. It’s my first time, I am still learning and gaining more experience,” she said. She credited her build-up for the encouraging performance. “I have done a lot of training and have been in good health.”
In the men’s race, Tinega also secured his semi-final slot with a solid second-place finish in 46.21, trailing Canada’s Christopher Morales-Williams, who won the heat in 45.51. Jacob Krop will be in action tonight (Saturday) in the men’s 3,000m
