Tokyo Olympics: Kibiwott, Kigen storm 3000m steeplechase final

The Kenyan duo of Benjamin Kigen and Abraham Kibiwott have on Friday morning secured their slots in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final in the Tokyo Olympics.

Kibiwott stormed to victory in the second heat when he clocked 8:12.25 ahead of Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale who finished second in 8:12.55 as Ahmed Abdelwahed of Italy who placed third in 8:12.17

Kigen was third in the first heat after clocking a season best of 8:10.80 in a race won by Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia (8:09.83)

Another Kenyan in the race, World Under-20 silver medallist Leonard Bett missed on the final after he placed fifth in the third heat when he clocked 8:19.62

World bronze medalist Soufiane El Bakkali took victory in the third heat which was a bit slower compared to the earlier heats.

The final will be held on Monday August 2, and will have a new champion as title holder Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya did not qualify for the Games.