Zurich, Switzerland is poised to welcome Kenyan athletics stars for the Diamond League, just days following the conclusion of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Here’s the lineup of Kenyan athletes and their scheduled competition times in Zurich:
Women’s Steeplechase – 9:23 pm
Budapest medalists Beatrice Chepkoech (silver) and Faith Cherotich (bronze) are leading a formidable Kenyan quartet on the hunt for Diamond League honours in the steeplechase event.
Chepkoech, rebounding from injury, is leveraging her Budapest silver medal to fuel a strong finish to the season. Her campaign this year includes a victory in the Lausanne Diamond League, a second-place finish in London, and respectable fourth-place achievements in Rome and Doha.
Notably, Chepkoech paced Faith Kipyegon to her world record-breaking 5,000m run in Paris. She currently leads the Diamond League standings with 25 points, holding a three-point edge over Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew, who won’t be competing in Zurich. Securing victory in this event would significantly bolster Chepkoech’s bid for the Diamond Trophy.
Meanwhile, Jackline Choekoech, a former world leader, seeks redemption after a challenging performance in the Budapest final. Although a medal contender, Jackline couldn’t replicate her form in the final race.
Her focus turns to Zurich, where she aims to improve her Diamond League rankings through a strong showing. Also adding intrigue to the race is recently crowned world champion Winfred Mutile, who is poised for a rematch against the Kenyan athletes.
Men’s 1500m – 9:41 pm
Kenyan duo Abel Kipsang and Reynold Cheruiyot are on a mission in Zurich to rectify their World Championships medal drought.
Following Kenya’s absence from the medal tally in Hungary, Kipsang’s fourth-place finish and reigning World U20 Champion Cheruiyot’s performance necessitate a statement at Zurich.
The race promises stiff competition with the likes of newly crowned world champion Josh Kerr of Great Britain, Spain’s Mohamed Katir, and USA’s Yared Nuguse participating.
Currently ranked third in the Diamond Trophy race with 11 points, Kipsang eyes a victory that could rejuvenate his pursuit of the crown.
