Mercy Oketch, the silver medallist at the 2024 Africa Military Games, delivered a stunning performance at the Absa Kip Keino Classic, smashing the Kenyan national 400m record and booking her ticket to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Oketch powered to victory in a blazing 50.14 seconds, breaking the previous national record held by her mentor, Mary Moraa. The time also marked a new personal best for the rising star, signaling her arrival among the world’s elite quarter-milers.
“I feel happy with the time I have clocked,” Oketch said after the race. “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 a close second, also setting a personal best of 50.39 seconds. Kenya’s Mercy Chebt claimed third place with a lifetime best of 51.52 seconds, highlighting the depth of talent on display.
“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 the Ulinzi Sports Complex provided the perfect backdrop for these record-breaking performances. The top six finishers all recorded personal or season bests, making the women’s 400m one of the standout races of the meet.
Written by Samson Jura
