Kenya clocked 3:19.43 to win bronze in the mixed 4X400 relay competition at the ongoing IAAF World Relays Championships in Yokohama, Japan on Sunday.
The country was represented in the race by Jared Momanyi, Maureen Nyatichi, Hellen Syombua and Haron Koech whose effort realised six points.
Joanna Atkins steered USA to victory in 3:16.43 as Canada ended the tape in 3:18.15 to bag silver.
Kenya is currently ranked ninth on 11 points while USA are commanding the log on 47.
#IAAFWorldRelays 2019 | RESULTS 4x400m Mixed Relay Final
1 US (#USA) 3:16.43
2 Canada (CAN) 3:18.15
3 #Kenya (#KEN) 3:19.43
4 Italy (ITA) 3:20.28
5 Poland (POL) 3:20.65
6 Brazil (#BRA) 3:20.71
7 Germany (GER) 3:22.26
8 Belgium (BEL) 3:25.74#AthleticsAfrica #FasterAsOne— Athletics Africa 💛 (@athleticsafrica) May 12, 2019
At the same time, USA was dominant in the opening day on Saturday- capping mixed shuttles hurdles relay, in what turned out to be just a two-team final.
Injuries to Andrew Riley and Norman Pittersgill kept Jamaica from the start line and a false start by leadoff Brianna Beahan left Australia out of the running before they even began.
That left only the US and Japan to vie for the inaugural title, with Asian champion Ayako Kimura lining up against world indoor silver medallist Christina Clemons.
Team Kenya🇰🇪🇰🇪 having promising results for the future in the short distance relays in Yokohama Japan #IAAFWorldRelays Well done guys 🇰🇪🇰🇪👏👏
If you feeling disappointed with Team Kenya you can SUCK IT.. 🤷 pic.twitter.com/gvvxeWHCKt
— 🌈 Kyki (@Allan_Kyki) May 12, 2019
Energised by the vocal crowd, Kimura got Japan off to a solid start, beating Clemons, who was running with red chopsticks in her hair, to the first exchange by about two metres.
Running back towards the finish, Shunya Takayama extended the host’s lead, but that would-be challenge came to an abrupt end midway through leg three when Sharika Nelvis powered by Masumi Aoki with anchor Devon Allen patiently looking on.
The Rio Olympic finalist then took command, extending the lead en route to a 54.96 performance to secure the US$50,000 first place prize for his team, more than half a second ahead of Japan, who collected $30,000.