Brimin revved up to land in the Rio 2016 podium

Brimin revved up to land in the Rio 2016 podium

Beijing Olympics 3000m steeplechase champion and the second fastest steeplechaser of all time, Brimin Kiprop Kipruto, is revved up for a podium run in Rio 2016 after missing out on the medals in London 2012.

Coming in as the titleholder, Brimin as he is widely known, faded to fifth in 8:23.03 where his domestic arch rival, Ezekiel Kemboi Yano went on to bag his second Olympics title but there was controversy when the pair came together with two laps remaining when the latter appeared to trip his countryman as they jostled for the inside lane.

 

Kemboi took the title in 8:18.56 while Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad (France) took silver in 8:19.08 and Abel Mutai settled for surprise bronze in 8:19.73 denying Brimin a third Olympics medal after he took silver at the Athens 2004 Games in a Kenyan sweep.

“It feels good to be with Kemboi in the team it’s special since the two of us we will be participating in our fourth Olympics. Last time I fell during the finals and I was disappointed.

“I have never even watched the replay to know what happened. But I moved on and hopefully this time round I won’t be cut out of the medal bracket unceremoniously,” the soft-spoken Osaka 2007 world champion who is only 31 years-old stated with a laugh.

Last year, he settled for the third medal (8:12.54) at the Beijing Worlds behind Kemboi (8:11.28) and the newest kid on the steeplechase block, Conseslus Kipruto (8:12.54) and he believes another top three shut out is on the cards in Rio.

 

“We are ready to compete and do well just like last year. The training is great and I’m responding well to training. When we go there we have one mission in mind take all the medals and bring them home,” Brimin asserted.

Having had a frosty relationship with Kemboi who has won every major steeplechase honour since 2009, it was evident during the July 1 Kenyan Olympics Trials that hostilities have thawed with time after they crossed the line all smiles alongside Conseslus to punch their Rio 2016 tickets.

“At the Trials, the three of us had planned to make the team. That’s why we did not kick at the end. Kemboi was very happy that we made it that’s why he was holding my hand at the finish line,” the 2004 Athens silver medalist explained.

At the 2011 Herculis Monaco Grand Prix IAAF Diamond League meeting, he missed matching Kenyan born Qatari, Saif Saeed Shaheen’s world record of 7:53.63 when he stopped the timer only a second slower in a race he later confessed he had no idea how fast he was going since he had not looked at the stadium clocks.

“I tried to break the record but I missed it by a second. I had mixed emotions about it but I thank God because I have the African record and I’m world second fastest. It did not affect me in any way but I hope to make my fourth Olympics golden since I fell in London,” the 7:53.54 lifetime best water and barrier star narrated.

 

-No reservations-

Conseslus Kipruto leads Brimin Kipruto and Ezekiel Kemboi in the 3000m SC men final during day two of the National Trials for 2016 Rio Olympics Games held at Kipchoge Keino stadium in Eldoret, Kenya on June 31, 2016.
Conseslus Kipruto leads Brimin Kipruto and Ezekiel Kemboi in the 3000m SC men final during day two of the National Trials for 2016 Rio Olympics Games held at Kipchoge Keino stadium in Eldoret, Kenya on June 31, 2016.

While some top athletes had reservations training at Eldoret’s Dr. Kipchoge Keino High Altitude Training Centre, Brimin has no issues preparing for the biggest sporting extravaganza in punishing elevation before unloading at the low attitude of Rio.

“Training here at Kip Keino is very convenient for me. I stay for six days and over the weekend, I can see my family and be back. Its just 6km away.”

Kipruto, a father of three, is coached by Patrick Sang and Joseph Chelimo and is confident that Kenya will send a clean team for the Summer Games and the constant testing in camp will prove Kenya depends on pure talent.

“Being tested is normal and I’m not afraid of the several tests since we have got nothing to hide. I rely on my natural talent and my training I would not want to mess up my career.

“Why would one want to take drugs and taint our image?  Blessing come when you put hard work in it there is no short cut. I believe the athletes going for Rio are clean. I have got two coaches to train me and that’s enough for me,” the African and national record holder emphasised.

Kipruto who is also a part-time dairy farmer discovered his talent in 1999 when studying at Korkitony Primary School in Elgeyo Marakwet. He favoured the 1500m, an event he won the World Junior bronze medal in 2004, before he ventured in 3000m steeplechase at Kipsoen Secondary School also in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

He trains alongside Rio 2016 bound Eliud Kipchoge (marathon) and Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor (men 10000m) as well as Uganda’s London 2012 champion, Stephen Kiprotich (marathon) at the Global Sports Communications.

Brimin says his coach and Barcelona Olympics 3000m steeplechase silver winner Sang is his main inspiration.

“There are many role models in my life and my coach is one of them. I would like to achieve more than what he did.”

Tags:

olympics team kenya Ezekiel Kemboi Rio 2016 Men 3000m steeplechase Brimin Kiprop Kipruto

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