Mercy Oketch, the 2024 Africa Military Games 400m silver medallist, delivered a sensational performance at the Absa Kip Keino Classic, breaking the national 400m record and booking her place at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Oketch stormed to victory in a blistering 50.14 seconds, eclipsing the previous national record held by her mentor, Mary Moraa. The time also marked a new personal best for the rising star.
“I feel happy with the time I have clocked,” said Oketch. “I have set a new national record and snatched it from my mentor Mary Moraa and qualified for the World Championships. The crowd made me feel more energized.”
Uganda’s Leni Shida finished second in 50.39 seconds — also a personal best — while Kenya’s Mercy Chebt placed third in 51.52 seconds, setting her own lifetime best as well.
“The competition was nice because running that time was my plan,” said Shida. “I have more races after this in Europe, and maybe there, I can qualify for the World Championships.”
The electric atmosphere at Ulinzi Sports Complex provided the perfect stage for the record-breaking performances, as the top six finishers clocked personal and season bests in one of the meet’s standout races.
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