Ethiopia’s Tadesse Worku was one of the standout performers at the world U20 championship Nairobi 21, emerging from the Kenyan capital with a gold and silver medal.
He almost pulled off an ambitious distance double within the space of 24 hours. On the opening day of the championships he comfortably won the 3000m in 7:42.09, finishing two and a half seconds ahead of the rest of the field. Despite Nairobi’s altitude – not at all conducive to fast times in distance –Worku’s winning time broke the championship record.
Outside of the major U20 event of the year, Worku featured prominently on the international racing circuit. He set an indoor 3000m PB of 7; 41.06 in Lievin and reduced his outdoor best for the distance to 7; 34.75 when finishing second to world champion Muktar Idris.