Kenya’s campaign at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo opened with a mixture of triumph and disappointment as the country’s middle-distance stars underlined their pedigree, while sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala kept the nation’s sprinting dreams alive.

The day began with action in the men’s 3000m steeplechase heats, an event long dominated by Kenya.

Edmund Serem underlined his intent by winning Heat 1 in 8:29.97, advancing comfortably to the final alongside Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale and Japan’s Ryuji Miura, who thrilled the home crowd.

However, Abraham Kibiwot had to settle for fifth in the highly competitive second heat, narrowly progressing to the final with a time of 8:27.84.

The brutal qualification system claimed several casualties, with notable names such as Team USA’s Isaac Updike and Olympic silver medalist Kenneth Rooks bowing out.

In the women’s 1500m, Kenya showcased its depth and strength. World and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon cruised through her heat in 4:02.55 to advance with ease.

Nelly Chepchirchir impressed with a powerful finish, clocking 4:07.01 to win her heat, while Susan Lokayo Ejore ran a superb 4:01.99 for third in her race, ensuring all three Kenyans advanced to the semifinals.

The performances brought relief to Kenyan fans after the disappointment of the women’s 4x400m relay team’s disqualification earlier in the day for a lane infringement. With Kipyegon leading the charge, the trio will carry Kenya’s medal hopes deeper into the championships.

Elsewhere, Kenya’s Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet delivered the standout performance of the day with a commanding victory in the women’s 10,000m final.

In hot and humid conditions, Chebet closed strongly over the final 200 meters to clinch her first world title in 30:37.61. Italy’s Nadia Battocletti chased hard for silver in a national record of 30:38.23, while Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, the defending champion, had to settle for bronze.

Agnes Ngetich, another Kenyan contender, faded late but played her part in the fast, tactical race. Chebet’s win not only extended Kenya’s dominance over distance running but also provided the country’s first gold medal of the championships.

On the sprints track, Omanyala kept the crowd buzzing with a determined run in the men’s 100m heats. The African record holder finished third in his heat in 10.09 seconds, securing an automatic spot in the semifinals.

The race was won by South Africa’s Akani Simbine in 10.02, with Ghana’s Saminu second. For Omanyala, who became the first Kenyan to reach a World Championships 100m final in 2022, this qualification marked another important step in his quest to challenge sprinting’s global elite.

At 29, the Commonwealth Games champion remains a national icon, inspiring young Kenyan sprinters to dream beyond the country’s traditional dominance in middle and long-distance races.

As Day One closed, Kenya could look back with pride and optimism.

Chebet’s gold, Kipyegon’s steady progress, and Omanyala’s resilience provided a strong foundation, even as the relay mishap and steeplechase challenges served as reminders of the fine margins at the global stage.