IAAF World U18: Kibet sets new 800m personal best

Jul 13, 2017

"I know when the time comes in the future I will score even better results."

IAAF WORLD U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS

NAIROBI - Uganda's Joshua Kibet knew only a top most performance in the 800m would take him to the final at the ongoing IAAF World U18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.

The young runner went on to clock 1:52.31 in Thursday's semifinal in heat one. It was not enough to qualify him but it was a new personal best time.

Ethiopia's Melese Nberet won the heat with 1:51.50, Charaf Zahir of Morroco followed in 1:51.66 while Croatian Juan Castro finished third in a time of 1:51.68.

Kenya's Noah Kiprop, who for a moment looked like he would carry the day, was overtaken in the home straight and finished fourth (1:51.72). But he still qualified through the two fastest times.

Kibet then came in fifth, improving his personal best by one minute.

"This was a good race. I know when the time comes in the future I will score even better results," he said after the race.

But Uganda's medal hopes are still very much alive as Hosea Kiplagat and Daniel Kiprop compete in the 1,500m final on Friday.

Oscar Chelimo and Titus Given Kwemoi will also be aiming for podium finished on Sunday when they take part in the 3000m final.

Uganda is yet to collect a medal at the five-day global event.

 

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