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Abraham Kibiwott fought hard for a podium finish in the hotly contested men's 3000m steeplechase final as Soufiane El Bakkali successfully defended his title at the Paris Olympics.
The men’s 3000m steeplechase final was one for the books, pitting the reigning Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali, world record holder Lamecha Girma, and the Kenyan trio of Amos Serem, Abraham Kibiwott and Simon Koech.
The trio has been impressive this season and, in their campaign, to make an impact on the Olympic stage, each of them gave their all to retain Kenya’s steeplechase glory.
Conseslus Kipruto was the last athlete to win a gold medal on the Olympic stage, claiming the win at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Benjamin Kigen came close to defending the title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games but could only afford a third-place finish.
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10:30 - 07.08.2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: Can Kenyan trio reclaim Conseslus Kipruto's title in men's 3000m steeplechase final beckons
Abraham Kibiwott, Amos Serem, and Simon Koech step on the track tonight for the men's 3000m steeplechase final to reclaim Kenya's lost glory.
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya X handle for more updates.
The hotly contested men’s 3000m steeplechase final race was won by Soufiane El Bakkali who made history by becoming the first man to defend his steeplechase title since 1936.
Passing the 1000m mark, the Ethiopian trio of Samuel Firewu, Girma, and Getnet Wale looked comfortable running in the front with Bakkali running right behind them. India’s Mukund Sable was running in fifth place with the first Kenyan, Kibiwott, looking comfortable running in sixth place alongside Koech.
As the athletes passed the 2000m mark, Koech had taken the mantle with Uganda’s Leonard Chemutai also surging to the front.
Wale and Firewu had been displaced and were running in third and fourth places looking very sharp and comfortable. Kibiwott was running behind the duo.
With the finish line in sight, El Bakkali surged to the front and successfully managed to defend his title, crossing the finish line in a stunning 8:06.05 ahead of America’s Kenneth Rooks who won silver in 8:06.41.
Kibiwott rounded up the podium after fighting hard for third place as he clocked 8:06.47 to cross the finish line. Other Kenyans in the race, Koech and Serem managed to finish seventh and 14th in respective times of 8:09.26 and 8:19.74.
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