Kibet, who hails from Iten, clocked 13:26.83 to beat star athletes including Daniel Simiyu who finished second in 13:27.95 and Nicholas who hit 13:27.99 to finish third. All the three booked their slots to the upcoming world event set to be staged in Doha, Qatar between September 27 and October 6.
“Michael Kibet out-sprinted Daniel Simuyu in the home stretch to win the men’s 5000m finals in 13:26.83. Simuyu (13:27.95) was second while Nicholas Kimeli was third in 13:29.99,” Athletics Kenya announced.
Notably, Kibet also beat World Under-20 champion Edward Zakayo, Olympic 10000m silver medalist Paul Tanui and former World silver medalist Caleb Ndiku.
Vanice Kerubo also won the 400m Hurdles on the first day. “2015 World champion Hyvin Kiyeng easily wins the 3000 m steeplechase final, Beatrice Chepkoech second, Celliphine Chespol third while Fancy Cherono coming in fourth,” Athletics Kenya confirmed.
Day two, and the last day of the trials, is set to begin on Friday at 10 am then run till 12.30pm. “It’s a wrap for day one of the World Athletics Trials at Nyayo Stadium. plenty of actions set for tomorrow at the same venue,” Athletics Kenya tweeted.
It is more than a decade since Kenya last won a gold medal at the Worlds during the 2005 event won by Benjamin Limo.