Alice Aprot spearheaded a Kenyan sweep in the women's 10,000 metres, posting the fastest time on the continent at the African Athletics Championships in Durban Saturday.
For much of the race Aprot ran on her own as the field stretched out considerably over the 25 laps with the Kenyan stopping the clock in a world-leading time this year of 30:26.94.
The 22-year-old smashed a previous best of 31:24.18 from her 2015 African Games title-winning run by almost a minute.
"I am happy with that time," she said. "I ran my previous best in Brazzaville and running this time is important to me as it is an Olympics year," Aprot said.
The Rio Olympic Games begin early August.
"Winning the title gives me confidence for the (Kenyan) Olympic trials.'
She was followed by compatriots Jackine Chepngeno and Joyline Jepkosgei in 31:27.73 and 31:28.28 respectively. Women's world championships javelin bronze medalist Sunette Viljoen of South Africa won her fifth continental title with a best throw of 64.08m.
Compatriot Jo-Ane van Dyk came second with a heave of 56.22m and Benin's Pacaline Adanhoegbe took bronze with 54.88m.
"I am very proud of that victory. I have been able to compete continuously for such a long time and to be the best in the continent," Viljoen said.
"To be the best in your continent, you cannot take anything for granted. It is very special.