Kipkurui and Alamisi Set to Shine at World Athletics Under-20 Championships
“Kipkurui, a Form Four student at Sinonin Secondary School in Baringo County, is eager to make his mark in his first Under-20 challenge after being sidelined last year in Cali due to an injury“
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Bathurst World Cross Country Under-20 champion, Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui, and Commonwealth Games Youth silver medallist, Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, are both geared up to reclaim the 5,000m title at the World Under-20 Championships, scheduled from August 27-31 in Lima, Peru.
Kipkurui, a Form Four student at Sinonin Secondary School in Baringo County, is eager to make his mark in his first Under-20 challenge after being sidelined last year in Cali due to an injury. Despite the setback, the 19-year-old is determined to clinch his first international title.
Reflecting on his journey, Kipkurui shared, “I had prepared well for this year’s World Cross Country trials, but an injury struck just before the trials. I still competed and finished sixth, securing a spot on the team, but my injury worsened during the camp. Although I couldn’t finish the race and defend my title, I didn’t give up.”
After taking time off to recover, Kipkurui set his sights on representing Kenya at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, though he narrowly missed that opportunity. Undeterred, he successfully secured a spot on the Under-20 team for the World Championships.
“This will be my first time competing on the Under-20 track. I’ve been representing Kenya in cross country, and while track is different, I’m confident of achieving positive results,” Kipkurui added.
Kipkurui’s athletic journey began at Sinendet Primary School, where his talent was discovered, albeit without much seriousness. It wasn’t until he competed in school county games and advanced to the regional level that he caught the attention of coach Kitilit, who nurtured his talent at the Sinonin training camp, formerly known as Torongo.
His partner in the 5,000m race, Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, had a humble start. Shy during his primary school years, Alamisi knew he had talent but lacked the courage to pursue it. That changed when he joined Form One at St. Peters Keberesi Secondary School in Kisii County, a school renowned for fostering athletic talent.
Despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Alamisi’s dedication never wavered. He later transferred to Sugutek Secondary School, where he took athletics seriously, earning his first silver medal in the 3,000m race at the Africa Under-18 Championships in Zambia in 2023. The same year, he added to his accolades with silver medals in the 1,500m and 3,000m races at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
As they prepare to take on the world stage, both Kipkurui and Alamisi are determined to bring glory to Kenya in the upcoming World Under-20 Championships.
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