It was Doris Lemngole’s moment to whip the crowd at Stade Olympique de la Pontaise in Lausanne, Switzerland into a frenzy on Wednesday and she braved a rainy night to produce a spectacular win in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the third last Diamond League meet.
As the final of the 2025 Diamond League circuit draws closer, Kenyan stars in the squad to the Tokyo World Championships set for September 13 – 21 continue to fire warning shots.
Aware of the weight they carry on their shoulders, Team Kenya brigade to Tokyo are setting sights on the two remaining legs, which are the Brussels meet (Belgium) on Friday and the final in Zurich (Switzerland) on August 27 and 28.
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Lemngole, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s 3000m steeplechase champion oozed class in Lausanne and confirmed that her qualification to represent Kenya at the World Championships wasn’t a fluke.
The University of Alabama student, who comes from West Pokot set the NCAA new record of 8:58.15.
On Wednesday night she beat a strong field to chalk up victory in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Lemngole secured her win in 9:16.36 and was followed by Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew (9:20.39) and USA’s Olivia Markezich (9:20.73) who came in second and third respectively.
With the Lausanne Diamond League meeting victory, Lemngole’s attention shifts to the World Championships.
She was hoping for a faster time in Lausanne but the weather conditions were unfavourable.
“Running alone in the rain was tough, but I stayed focused and pushed through to the win. It wasn’t the time I hoped for, but handling adversity like this prepares me well for the rest of the season and the World Championships,” said Lemngole
Olympic champion and world 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi ran his own race in Lausanne and wasn’t bothered by the second place.
Wanyonyi is the reigning Diamond League champion and had indicated before the Lausanne meet that he would be returning to Switzerland for the final in Zurich.
“My race was okay. The atmosphere in the stadium was great,” a confident Wanyonyi said after coming second behind USA’s Josh Hoey.
He clocked 1:43.29 behind Hoey who stopped the timer at 1:42.82. Spanish star Mohamed Attaoui (1:43.38) finished third in the tough 800m contest.
Kenyan export Isaac Kimeli, who represents Belgium topped the men’s 5000m race, defeating American Grant Fisher and Mexico’s Wduardo Herrera.
“I came here hoping to break my PB, but the weather was really tough. I just kept pushing and pushing until the last lap. I’m so happy to win this race, it´s the fastest competition of my life,” said Kimeli.
Even before the dust settles on the Lausanne show, the Kenyan cast to Tokyo is featuring in Brussels this evening, with a promise of more thrillers ahead of the global showpiece next month.
They will be taking on strong fields assembled for perhaps for mouthwatering contests in the second last leg.
Fast-rising stars Phanuel Koech and Reynold Cheruiyot – both in the Kenyan team to Tokyo will be highlighting the men’s 1500m race in Brussels.
Koech and Cheruiyot, who have been constant figures in the Diamond League this season, will have the company of compatriots Boaz Kiprugut and Abel Kipsang in Brussels.
From charging to a 3:27.72 World Under-20 record, to stunning bigwigs such as world defending champion Josh Kerr of Great Britain in the Diamond League circuit, the youngster looks to sustain the momentum in Brussels.
Reynold Cheruiyot on the other hand finished second in Rabat, Morocco, sixth in Rome, Italy and fourth in Silesia (Poland) in the 1500m distance but surprisingly delivered victory in 5000m in Doha, Qatar.
An exciting competition is expected in the women’s 5000m as two Team Kenya athletes battle for honours in the event tonight.
Agnes Ngetich, the 10km world record holder and former African champion Janeth Chepng’etich, who are both in the women’s 10,000m brigade to Tokyo will be lining up in the 5000m.
Ngetich will be doubling 5000m and 10,000m while Chepng’etich will be flying the country’s colours in the 25-lap event only.
Chepng’etich had said two weeks ago that she would be using the Brussels Diamond League meet to test her speed.
“I’m going to test speed endurance and the race (Brussels Diamond League) will help me and the coaches to take note of the areas to improve on before the World Championships,” she said.
They will be facing strong athletes among them Ethiopians Marta Alemayo and Likina Amebaw as well as Josette Andrews of the USA.
Nelly Chepchirchir and Susan Ejore, who will be teaming up with four-time world champion Faith Kipyegon in Tokyo are looking to shine in the women’s 1500m.
Team Kenya 3000m steeplechase men, World bronze medallist Abraham Kibiwott and African bronze medallist Simon Kiprop will be running alongside Wilberforce Kones and Wesley Langat in the battle for glory.