- Josephine Sembeyo Mancha has won gold in the women’s 1500m at the 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, clocking 4:01.07.
- Mancha has helped Kenya reclaim the women’s 1500m title for the first time since 2022, with compatriot Caren Chepchirchir securing bronze.
- She has dedicated her win to her mother and has called on parents to keep girls in school instead of forcing them into early marriage.
Josephine Sembeyo Mancha, a Form Four student at AIC Secondary School Loitokitok in Kajiado South, has been celebrated for winning gold in the women’s 1500m at the 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Mancha clocked 4:01.07 to claim victory in the race, helping Kenya reclaim the women’s 1500m title for the first time since Brenda Chebet won gold at the 2022 championships in Cali, Colombia. Another Kenyan, Caren Chepchirchir, secured the bronze medal.
Mancha, who turned 19 just two days before her victory, had left school in July to join her teammates at a residential training camp ahead of the championships.
Celebrating her victory, Mancha dedicated the gold medal to her mother, whom she described as a major source of support and inspiration.
“I spoke to her yesterday night; she was asking me when I am running because she wanted to watch me,” Mancha said.
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She said her victory would inspire more young girls in Kajiado to pursue their dreams through education and athletics.
“My win will motivate so many young girls in Kajiado. If I have made it today, even they can manage. I urge parents not to force girls into early marriages and allow them to get an education,” she said.
Mancha described the gold medal as a fitting way to conclude her junior career as she prepares to transition to senior athletics. She plans to compete in both the 800m and 1500m during the Athletics Kenya weekend meets.
Her ambitions now extend to representing Kenya at major senior championships, including the 2027 World Athletics Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games.
“My biggest dream is to race with my mentor, Faith Kipyegon, one day,” Mancha said.
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She also expressed her desire to make the national team, thanked Katoo Ole Metito for his support, and called for increased investment in training facilities to nurture more talented girls from Kajiado.
“I want to make it to Team Kenya. I thank Katoo Ole Metito for the support and appeal to him to provide training facilities for more girls,” she said.
Kenya finished second overall at the championships with 11 medals: four gold, three silver and four bronze. The United States topped the medal standings with 24 medals, comprising 12 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze.
By Obegi Malack
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