Oketch shines as Kenya’s sprint star. At only 22, Mercy Oketch is taking the sprinting world by storm. She’s having the best season of her career, breaking records and turning heads on the global stage.
Oketch has built a reputation for her explosive speed and unmatched consistency. In a short time, she has become one of Kenya’s most exciting track stars.
Over the weekend, she delivered a standout performance at the Meeting de Marseille. Oketch stormed to victory in the women’s 400m, clocking an impressive 50.89 seconds.
Her winning time not only earned her the gold medal but also set a new meet record. She broke the previous mark held by 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Natalia Bukowiecka. With every race, Mercy Oketch proves she’s a rising force in world athletics.
Oketch’s win in Marseille didn’t come easy. She edged out Britain’s Laviai Nielsen, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, who clocked 51.65 seconds to finish second.
In Guangzhou
Earlier in May, Oketch made headlines at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. She ran a blazing 49.77-second split in the 4×400m mixed relay final, helping Kenya clinch its second-ever bronze medal in the event.
That performance also secured Kenya a spot at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Back on home soil, Oketch thrilled fans at the Kip Keino Classic. She stormed to victory in the 400m with a time of 50.15 seconds—setting a new Kenyan national record.
Her time was 0.60 seconds faster than the World Championships qualifying standard, punching her ticket to Tokyo.
The Moi Airbase athlete continues to shine. She was recently honored among the top female athletes at the 2025 Military Track and Field Championships held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. Mercy Oketch is not just breaking records she’s redefining Kenyan sprinting on every stage
