Mercy Chepkemoi is set to leverage her world cross-country experience at the World U20 Athletics Championships, which will take place in Lima, Peru, next week.

Born in 2005, Chepkemoi will compete in both the 5,000m and 3,000m events during the championships, running from August 27 to August 31 at the National Stadium in Peru’s capital.

The East Africa Under-20 1,500m gold medalist is a promising athlete aiming to secure gold for her nation. A Form Three student at Tiloa Secondary School, Chepkemoi is also the East Africa Under-20 5,000m bronze medalist. She looks up to her role model, Faith Kipyegon, who achieved a double victory at the recent Olympic Games in Paris, France.

“I have high hopes for our team, and we are training diligently to win gold. Motivated by Faith Kipyegon, I aim to bring home medals,” Chepkemoi said.

On Monday, she completed a 14km training session at Karura Forest, focusing on long runs and endurance. “I did a 14km long run, which is part of my training, and I am hopeful of winning gold in all events. Running two races is challenging, so I have to balance long runs with speed work, which I have mastered well,” she added.

Chepkemoi also promised, “Once in Lima, I will do my best to secure medals for my country. I love this country so much that I left school to compete on its behalf.”