Kenyan athlete Nancy Cherop stole the show at the Africa Athletics Under-18 and Under-20 Championships in Ndola, Zambia, as Team Kenya returned with an impressive haul of 33 medals – 13 gold, eight silver, and 12 bronze.
Cherop, who won bronze in the World Under-20 3,000 meters last year, achieved an unprecedented feat by winning three gold medals in the girls’ under-18 category in Ndola, including the 800m, 1,500m, and 3,000m races.
Cherop’s success started with a comfortable victory in the 1,500m, clocking 4 minutes and 10.73 seconds. She then led her teammates in a podium sweep in the 800m, with Daisy Chepng’etich and Janet Chepkemoi finishing second and third, respectively.
Cherop’s third gold came in the 3,000m, with Joyline Chekemoi finishing third.
Cherop, who learned her athletics trade from her father and uncle, now aims to follow in the footsteps of her role model, two-time World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri.
Upon her arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Cherop thanked her father, uncle, coach, and Team Kenya for their support.
Team Kenya finished third overall, with South Africa and Nigeria taking first and second place, respectively.
Team manager Joseph Ilovi noted that Kenya could have won more medals if the country had more representation across the events, as South Africa dominated the field events.
Cherop is now turning her focus on the Commonwealth Youth Games, which are scheduled for August 4-11 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
