Abigael Kosgei and Enock Tuitoek won the women’s 2,000-meter steeplechase and men’s 3,000 meters, respectively, giving Kenya a strong start to the athletics program

Kenya opened its athletics campaign at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with two gold medals on Nov. 8, after Abigael Kosgei and Enock Tuitoek won their respective distance finals.

Kosgei sets world U18 lead in steeplechase

Kosgei claimed the women’s 2,000-meter steeplechase in 6:30.24, setting a personal best and a world under-18 lead.

Ethiopia’s Tsedikan Mekonen finished second in 6:32.15, while Türkiye’s Elif Çelik took bronze in 6:36.99.

Tuitoek edges Ethiopia’s Mekonen in the 3,000 meters

Tuitoek followed with victory in the men’s 3,000 meters, clocking 8:07.69 after a close contest with Ethiopia’s Goytom Mekonen, who crossed the line in 8:08.24. France’s Meziane Benhammou finished third in 8:11.59.

Adding to Kenya’s gold tally

The victories added to Kenya’s gold medal tally at the Games, which had already received a boost from the Rising Lionesses’ triumph in the women’s rugby sevens competition.

Nigeria’s sprint double

Kenya’s two athletics titles also came on a day when Nigeria secured a sprint double, with Gift Bright and Rosemary Nwankwo winning the men’s and women’s 100-meter finals, respectively.

Athletics competition continued on Nov. 9, with Kenya seeking further medals in the remaining track and field events.