Kosgei, Tuitoek shine in Dakar

Kenya’s rising athletics stars Abigael Kosgei and Enock Tuitoek braved scorching conditions in Dakar, Senegal, to claim two gold medals at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Sunday.

The victories at the Complex Iba Mar Diop lifted Kenya’s gold medal tally to three, following the Kenya Lionesses’ historic triumph in women’s rugby.

Kosgei, 16, was the first to strike gold, winning the women’s 2,000m in a personal best of 6:30.24 after an impressive display of determination and tactical awareness.

The Chagaik Senior School student, coached by Peter Rono Kipng’eno in Kericho County, overcame a challenging moment at the water barrier during her third lap when she stumbled but quickly recovered to regain the lead.

She eventually pulled away from Ethiopia’s Abera Mekonen with about 80 metres remaining to secure victory.

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

Despite the scorching Dakar sunshine, Kosgei remained composed and delivered Kenya’s second gold of the competition.

“I am so happy with this win. The race was tough because of the weather, as it is very hot here in Dakar, but I was determined to get this medal. I dedicate it to myself and all Kenyans,” she said.

Moments later, Tuitoek completed Kenya’s golden afternoon by winning the men’s 3,000m in 8:07.69 after holding off a strong Ethiopian challenge.

Ethiopia’s Goyton Mekonen claimed silver in 8:08.24, while France’s Benhammou Meziane finished third in 8:11.59.

The 17-year-old Kenyan set an early pace to stretch the field before adjusting his tactics to contain his challengers in a fiercely contested race.

Tuitoek said his victory at the 2026 ANOCA Zone V Youth Games in Nairobi last August had boosted his confidence ahead of the Dakar competition.

“I feel good winning this medal. This is what brought us here. The competition was tough, and I had to change tactics by reducing the pace to manage the leading pack.

“My competitors were all over me, and I had to be brave to win. As you noticed, I kicked just a few metres before the finish line,” he said.

He added that his previous gold medal had convinced him that winning in Dakar was possible, with his sights now set on qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

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

The double triumph lifted Kenya to fifth position in the medal standings with three gold medals.

Athletics competition continues on with Kenya targeting more medals in the men’s 2,000m steeplechase, women’s 3,000m and women’s 800m semi-finals.