17-year-old Chepkoech delivers Kenya’s second gold in Birmingham
Jackline Chepkoech set a Games Record time of 9:15.68 to clinch the women’s steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Chepkoech was the only Kenyan in the final and she did not disappoint as she helped Kenya earn the second gold medal at the Club Games. With Celephine Chepsol out injured, the 2021 World Junior, on her first senior debut, tore the rest of the field apart to proclaim her dominance in the race just like she did during the National Trials in June.
Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai who has had a difficult season clinched bronze in a time of 9:23.24 with Britain’s Eizabeth May taking home silver in a time of 9:17.79.
As was expected, it was an East African affair as Chepkoech, 17, ran side by side with the experienced Ugandan. The two would exchange leads but Chemutai tripped at the barrier handing the outgoing junior world champion a chance to shine.
