Uganda’s Shafeck Murungi has reached the men’s 800-metre final at the 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, after winning his semi-final in a new personal best of 1:46.41.
The 17-year-old produced a composed performance at Hayward Field on Friday evening, taking control of the race in the closing stages to finish ahead of Morocco’s Imad Bouchajda, who clocked 1:46.66.Murungi’s latest time improved his previous personal best of 1:46.64, which he set when winning his opening-round heat on Wednesday.
Drawn in lane six, Murungi stayed among the leading runners before making his decisive move towards the finish to secure automatic qualification for Sunday’s final.
His qualification has strengthened Uganda’s hopes of adding to its medal tally at the championships, which run until August 9. Murungi will compete in the final on Sunday at 5:08 a.m. East African Time against the leading junior 800-metre runners who have advanced from the semi-finals.His impressive run follows an equally strong championship debut.
He won Heat Two of the opening round in 1:46.64, emerging as the fastest qualifier for the semi-finals. Uganda’s national team coach, Immaculate Chemutai, praised Murungi’s tactical discipline and composure, saying his continued improvement has boosted the technical team’s confidence ahead of the final.
“Shafeck has shown tremendous maturity for his age. He followed the race plan well, remained composed and produced a strong finish. Improving his personal best again at this stage gives us confidence going into the final, but we have to stay focused and take the race step by step,” Chemutai said.
Murungi’s progress comes as Uganda enjoys a strong campaign in Eugene. Distance runner Charity Cherop has already won the women’s 5,000 metres gold in 15:03.88, giving Uganda its first gold medal at the championships. Her victory also marked Uganda’s first women’s gold at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in more than two decades.
The Ugandan team arrived in Oregon after a month-long residential training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, and comprises seven male and four female athletes competing in middle- and long-distance events. With Cherop already crowned world champion and Murungi through to the 800m final, Uganda remains in contention for further medals as the championships enter their final stages. URN