Mercy Oketch kicks off Team Kenya’s quest for gold in Poland Championship
Kenyan national record holder Mercy Oketch has kicked off Team Kenya’s quest for athletics glory in the World Indoor Championship in Torun, Poland, on a promising note, securing qualification to the semifinal of the women’s 400m race.
Oketch advanced to the Women’s 400m semifinals after an impressive run of 51.57 s, earning her a second-place finish in Heat 6 on Friday, March 20, 2026.
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The athlete, boasting an outdoor personal best of 50.14 s set in 2025 at the Kip Keino Classic, managed to get over the line for the qualifiers with the time.
Oketch is among the six athletes representing Kenya in the indoor games set to feature in the day one event.
Others include Brian Omari Tinega, who will compete in the 400 m race for men.
Men’s races
The Kenya Police athlete will face off against Omar Simpson, Javier Gomez, Franko Burraj, and Christopher Williams in a tough Heat 5 race.
Noah Kibet will also feature for Kenya in the men’s 800 m race, while the 3000 m race will see Jacob Krop, facing a formidable elite field.
Hodgkinson challenge
In the women’s category, Rosemary Longisa, a US-based debutant, will be up against Olympic champion and world record holder Keely Hodgkinson.
Following her record-breaking 1:54.87 run in Liévin last month, the 24-year-old Briton is the standout favourite to secure her first World Indoor title.
Other contenders in the discipline are Nina Vuskovic of Croatia, Valentina Rosamilia, and Caroline Bredlinger.
Gladys Chepngetich will also be part of Team Kenya’s 400 m in a different heat.
The heat 1 race will kick off at 2:38 pm.
Meanwhile, Susan Ejore will headline Kenya’s list for the 1500m race.
The Olympic finalist will resume action after competing alongside compatriot Dorcus Ewoi in the Women’s Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in the USA on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
