Kenya’s next generation of sporting talent led by track prodigy Abigael Chepkirui continued to prove their mettle at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics Games.
Chepkirui’s silver medal display and a historic milestone in fencing by Aliyah Makena were proof that the future of Kenyan sports is bright.
At the Complex Iba Mar Diop Stadium, the heat was unforgiving but Chepkirui of Lemotit Athletics Club rose to the challenge in a fiercely contested women’s 1500m final.
She showcased her athletics prowess and tactical discipline across the first three laps running stride-for-stride with the leading pack.
It wasn’t until the final curve that Ethiopia’s Elisabet Amare launched a decisive kick to snatch gold in a time of 4:28.02, leaving Chepkirui to cross the finish line in 4:29.86 for a well-earned silver.
Eritrea’s Kanari Estifanos clocked 4:31.10 to grab bronze and complete an African onslaught.
Though she missed her gold medal target, Chepkirui was elated to have won silver saying that it was proof that she needed to work harder in readiness for future competitions.
"I am excited because I managed to get a silver medal here in Dakar even though I was aiming for a gold medal," Chepkirui said.
"This means I have to work extra hard in training when I go back home so that I can do better in the…
