Kenya capped off a memorable campaign at the 2026 World U20 Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon with a sensational six-medal haul on the final day to finish second overall behind the United States, and emerge as Africa's top-performing nation.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsTeam Kenya ended the championships with 11 medals; four gold, three silver and four bronze, trailing only the USA, who topped the standings with 24 medals (12 gold, seven silver and five bronze). Italy finished third with five medals, while Jamaica, Australia, Ethiopia, France, China, Czechia and South Africa completed the top 10.The final day belonged to Kenya's middle-distance stars, who delivered two gold, two silver and two bronze medals in a remarkable display.Kenyan youngster reveals how double Olympic champion inspired World U20 gold medal runJosephine Sembeyo produced one of the most dramatic victories of the championships in the women's 1,500m. Despite suffering a fall and losing one of her shoes during the race, the Kenyan staged a stunning comeback with a blistering final-lap kick to clock 4:16.73 and claim gold.American Claire Stegall settled for silver, crossing the line just 0.04 seconds behind Sembeyo, while Kenya's Caren Chepchirchir completed the podium with bronze in 4:17.50.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883859##Kenya then dominated the men's 1,500m, securing a one-two finish. Wilson Chepkwech stormed to gold in 3:37.46 ahead of compatriot David Kapaiko, who claimed silver in 3:38.32. Morocco's Osama Er Redouani took bronze in 3:39.68.©Team Kenya/XThe medals continued to flow in the men's 3,000m steeplechase, where Emmanuel Lemiso clocked a personal best of 8:32.81 to secure silver, while Nicholas Kitum claimed bronze in 8:38.05.The six medals on the final day boosted Kenya's overall tally to 11, cementing their position as the leading African nation at the championships. Ethiopia, Kenya's closest continental challengers, finished fifth overall with six medals.Kenyan youngster wins gold in Championship Record time at WU20sKenya's four gold medals came courtesy of Frankline Kibet (men's 5,000m), Emmanuel Kiprono (men's 3,000m), Chepkwech (men's 1,500m) and Sembeyo (women's 1,500m).The silver medals were won by Kapaiko (men's 1,500m), Nehemiah Kipng'eno (men's 5,000m) and Lemiso (men's 3,000m steeplechase).The bronze medal winners were Kitum (men's 3,000m steeplechase), Chepchirchir (women's 1,500m), Joyline Chepkemoi (women's 5,000m) and Anatasha Cheptoo (women's 3,000m steeplechase).Odira to collide with Werro, Bol at Lausanne Diamond LeagueAthletics Kenya Youth Development Chair Barnaba Korir hailed the team's outstanding performance, praising the athletes for flying the Kenyan flag high on the global stage."To our athletes, thank you for representing Kenya with pride, courage and determination throughout these championships. You have made your country proud," Korir said."Congratulations to the athletes, coaches and entire Team Kenya delegation for a memorable campaign. Hongera sana, Team Kenya."##NAJAVA_MECA_9883810##Korir said the results demonstrated the strength of Kenya's junior athletics pipeline and offered hope for the future."This is a powerful demonstration of the depth of talent we have in our junior ranks and the bright future of Kenyan athletics," he added.Grand Slam Track founder says all athletes in his league now paidThe NOCK First Vice President also acknowledged the contribution of the coaches, support staff and families in nurturing the country's next generation of stars."Congratulations to the athletes, coaches, support staff, families and everyone working tirelessly to nurture the next generation of Kenyan champions. Keep flying the Kenyan flag high," Korir said.