NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 21 – Twenty-year old Simon Koech, winner of the Kenyan Trials for the World Athletics Championships has finally stamped his ticket to Budapest after clocking the qualification time, winning the steeplechase at the Monaco Diamond League in a time of 8:04.19, well within the 8:15.00 qualification standard.
This was a new personal best, as well as a first ever Diamond League victory for the youngster.
Koech, the 2021 World U20 bronze medalist couldn’t hide his joy after crossing the finish line, punching the air in glory, as he danced his way into a first ever appearance at the senior World Championships.
The youngster had won the Kenyan trials in a slow time of 8:22.55, seven seconds off the requisite mark, and had up to July 30 to seek the qualification standard to confirm his place in the Kenyan team to the Hungarian capital.
In Monaco, regarded as the fastest track on the Diamond League circuit, Koech didn’t come to play. From the onset, he took on the pace, clear with his intention to land the qualification time.
He stuck behind the two pace setters all through the race, and once the last one dropped with two laps left, he took on a new gear, charging up the track, with the time well within his favour.
Abraham Kibiwott, also in Kenya’s team for Budapest finished second in 8:09.54 and the two hugely embraced at the finish line, knowing they will now work as a team in Budapest to try return the steeple glory back to Kenya.
Amos Serem, winner of the 2021 World U20 title was 13th in 8:24.02, while former World and Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto, still struggling to come back to form was second from bottom.
