Youngster Mercy Chepkemoi, the national champion in the 5000m and 3000m events, is set to lead Team Kenya in their quest for glory at the 20th World Athletics U20 Championships, which kick off tonight in Peru.

On the first day of the medal chase, Chepkemoi will compete alongside Sheila Jebet, Andrew Kiptoo, and Ishmael Kipkurui. Chepkemoi and Jebet will team up for the 5000m final, scheduled to start at 1:25 AM.

The morning session, beginning at 5:00 PM Kenyan time today, will feature Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech and Kelvin Kimutai Koech in the first round of the 800m, starting at 8:00 PM. Following them, reigning African champion Sarah Moraa and Janet Jepkemoi will compete in the women’s 800m round 1 at 8:55 PM.

Diana Chepkemoi and Sharon Chepkemoi will also represent Kenya in the 3000m steeplechase women’s heats, the only other Kenyan event scheduled for the evening.

World Cross Country Junior Champion Ismael Kipkurui Rokitto and Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi will wave the Kenyan flag in the men’s finals, which will take place at 2:00 AM.

A total of 1,700 athletes from over 130 countries are participating in the five-day championships, which will conclude this Saturday.

Team Kenya, comprising 21 athletes—11 men and 10 women—aims to surpass their performance in the 2022 edition, where they finished 4th overall, securing 10 medals: 3 golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronzes.

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