Kosgei and Tuitoek strike gold as Kenya’s tally rises to three at Dakar Youth Olympics

Abigael Kosgei celebrates after winning gold in the women’s 2,000m steeplechase at the Dakar Youth Olympics. (Photo: Daudi Were/National Olympic Committee of Kenya)

Kenya’s young athletics stars Abigael Kosgei and Enock Tuitoek delivered a double gold-medal triumph at the Dakar Youth Olympics on Sunday, overcoming challenging conditions in Senegal to lift the country’s medal tally to three.

The two victories at the Complex Iba Mar Diop capped a memorable afternoon for Kenya, following the Lionesses’ gold medal in women’s rugby, and strengthened the country’s position among Africa’s leading nations at the Games.

Kosgei, 16, was the first to strike gold, winning the women’s 2,000m steeplechase in a personal best of 6:30.24.

The Chagaik Senior School student, who trains under coach Peter Rono Kipng’eno in Kericho County, displayed remarkable determination despite the scorching Dakar sunshine.

She briefly stumbled at the water barrier during the third lap but quickly recovered to regain the lead before pulling away from Ethiopia’s Abera Mekonen with about 80 metres remaining.

Mekonen settled for silver in 6:32.15, while France’s Celik Elif claimed bronze in 6:36.99.

Kosgei expressed delight at her achievement, saying the demanding weather conditions had made the race particularly challenging.

“I am so happy for this win; the race was tough because of the weather since it is very hot here (Dakar), but I was determined to get this medal, and I dedicate it to myself and to all Kenyans,” she said.

Tuitoek followed moments later with another commanding performance in the men’s 3,000m, taking Kenya’s gold-medal count to three.

The 17-year-old clocked 8:07.69 to overcome a competitive field, with Ethiopia’s Goyton Mekonen taking silver in 8:08.24 and France’s Benhammou Meziane finishing third in 8:11.59.

Tuitoek dictated the pace in the early stages, stretching the field before adjusting his tactics to manage the leading pack and secure victory.

He credited his gold-medal success at the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi last August for giving him the confidence and motivation to compete for honours in Dakar.

“I feel good about winning a medal; this is what brought us here. The competition was tough, and I had to change tactics by reducing the pace so as to manage the leading pack. My competitors were all over me, and for sure I had to brave it to win. If you noticed, I kicked just a few metres before the finish line,” Tuitoek said.

He added that his previous triumph in Nairobi had strengthened his belief that he could also emerge victorious at the Youth Olympics.

“Winning the ANOCA Youth Games encouraged me that it was possible to win in Dakar. Now I hope to train hard, and my focus will be on getting a ticket to represent Kenya at the LA 2028 Olympics,” he added.

The two victories lifted Kenya to third among African nations and ninth in the overall medal standings, with three gold medals.

Egypt led the African standings with five gold medals, while hosts Senegal are second with three gold medals and two bronze medals. China top the global standings with 11 gold medals.

Athletics action resumes on Monday at the Complex Iba Mar Diop, with Kenya targeting more medals in the men’s 2,000m steeplechase, women’s 3,000m and the women’s 800m semi-finals.