Clean podium sweep as Ethiopians silence Kenyans in the women's under-20 race in Belgrade

World Athletics

World Cross Country Clean podium sweep as Ethiopians silence Kenyans in the women's under-20 race in Belgrade

Abigael Wafula 14:12 - 30.03.2024

Ethiopians have shown Team Kenya dust in the African-dominated women's under-20 race at the World Cross Country Championships.

Ethiopians have taken the top three slots in the women’s under-20 race at the World Cross Country Championships happening in Belgrade, Serbia.

All hopes rested on Diana Cherotich who maintained her second place for the better part of the 6km race, holding onto Marta Alemayo of Ethiopia who was also looking good leading the pack of the young women.

The East African dominance was evident since the 13 women who were in the leading group were from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. With two laps remaining, another Kenyan youngster was now coming up and running in third place comfortably.

Mercy Chepkemoi was in third place as Ethiopian Asayech Ayichew was following her closely with the hope of joining her compatriot on the top. Ayichew then climbed through the ranks and was now running in third place, looking very strong and ready to shake off opposition and take the crown.

Cherotich was still protecting her second place despite the Ethiopian coming for her in the tight race. With the finish line in sight, the Ethiopians had now taken charge and were ready to rumble and take the top slots.

The young girls were now sprinting with Alemayo doing the fair share of the work and opening the gap between herself and the rest of the world that she ripped asunder. Alemayo then crossed the finish line first, with Ayichew finishing second and another Ethiopian Robe Dida completing the podium.

Chebet and Cherotich managed to finish fourth and fifth respectively, clocking 19:45 and 19:47 to cross the finish line.

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