Kenya's Faith Rono claimed gold in the women's 3,000m at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Monday, November 9, as Wesley Kiplagat Kipkech secured silver in the men's 2,000m steeplechase to extend the country's medal tally to five.
Rono clocked 9:15.47 at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop Stadium to edge Ethiopia's Yordanos Tsigab, who finished second in 9:15.71, just 0.24 seconds behind the Kenyan. Uganda's Keren Chelimo completed the podium in 9:32.41, giving East Africa a clean sweep of the medals.
The 16-year-old produced a strong finish after facing a late challenge from Tsigab, who attempted to overtake her around the final bend. Rono responded to the Ethiopian's acceleration and maintained her advantage to cross the finish line first.
The victory marked a significant improvement for the Kericho-born athlete, who had finished 19th in the women's 3,000m at the 2026 World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.
Rono, a Grade Nine pupil who trains at Lemotit Athletics Club, had travelled to Dakar determined to put that performance behind her and deliver a better result for Kenya.
Kiplagat also contributed to Kenya's medal collection after clocking a personal best of 5:36.28 to finish second in the men's 2,000m steeplechase.
Ethiopia's Junedin Abdo won gold in 5:29.30, while Uganda's Michael Kibet claimed bronze in 5:39.50, completing another East African sweep of the podium.
The 17-year-old Kiplagat was competing in the steeplechase for the first time, having previously specialised in the 3,000m. His silver medal added to his international achievements after finishing second in the men's 3,000m at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, in August.
Speaking after her victory, Rono said she had been determined to win despite the pressure from her Ethiopian opponent.
“I would like to thank God for this win. The race was good and I was determined to win a gold medal. The competition was tough for sure. I saw Yordanos try to beat me to the finish line but I was unfazed by that,” Rono said.
The Kenyan also explained how she followed her coach's instructions to control the opening stages before assessing the strength of her competitors.
“I let her go ahead to see her strength. She was overwhelmed, and that's how I went in front all the way to the finish. My coach had told me to lead in the first four laps to test the waters and see the competitors.”
Rono further revealed that her experience at the 2026 World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Oregon motivated her to prepare differently for Dakar and deliver a better performance.
“I feel good winning a gold medal here because when I went to Oregon, the weather conditions were a bit harsh on me but I was more motivated to come here in Dakar and deliver something special.”
Kiplagat, meanwhile, acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to the steeplechase, particularly negotiating the water barrier during his first appearance in the event.
“I tried my best after moving from 3,000m to this 2,000m steeplechase. I feel good to win and next time I will put in more effort to win a gold medal,” Kiplagat said.
He also explained how Ethiopia’s Junedin Abdo, who won gold, and Uganda’s Michael Kibet, who took bronze, pressured him throughout the race, disrupting his planned finishing kick. He added that difficulties crossing the water barrier just before the bell further affected his attempt to challenge for the gold medal.
“Abdo and Kibet did not let me breathe. I was hoping to kick in the last lap, but I had some difficulties while crossing the water barrier to the bell. It was my first time competing in the steeplechase,” he added.
The two athletics medals took Kenya's overall tally at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games to five, comprising four gold medals and one silver.
Kenya's earlier gold medals came through the girls' rugby sevens team, which defeated Australia 17-12, Abigail Kosgei in the women's 2,000m steeplechase and Enock Tuitoek in the men's 3,000m.
Kenya's young athletes will have further opportunities to increase the medal count as the Youth Olympic Games continue towards their November 13 conclusion.
