Ethiopia’s Sembo sets steeplechase championship record to win world U20 title in Lima

Addis Ababa, August 30, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew lived up to her favourite’s billing in fine style to become the first ever Ethiopian world U20 women’s steeplechase champion, the Paris Olympian surging clear of her chief rival Loice Chekwemoi of Uganda on the penultimate lap and coming home in 9:12.71.

Adding gold to her silver in this event from two years ago, she also took 0.07 off the championship record set by Celliphine Chespol in 2018. Chekwemoi clocked 9:18.84 in second with Kenya’s Diana Chepkemoi taking bronze in 9:29.84.

Meanwhile, four finals in which Ethiopian athletes will participate will be held later today. Accordingly, the women’s 10,000 meter race will be held at 6:25 pm, in which Hiwot Ambaw and Berhan Mulu will participate.

In men’s 800 meters, athlete General Birhanu will compete for Ethiopia at 12:35 am.

The women’s 800 meter will feature Aster Areri at 12:50 am.

Alehegn Bawoke and Marta Alemayehu will represent Ethiopia in the 3,000-meter women’s final.

At the 20th World Athletics Under-20 Championship, Ethiopia took first place by winning two gold and two silver medals in total so far.