Conseslus Kipruto bags Kenyas fourth gold, Kemboi settles for bronze

Conseslus Kipruto extended Kenya’s three-decade-long dominance in the men’s 3000m steeplechase in glorious fashion, winning a fourth gold medal for Kenya in the ongoing Rio Olympics.

The gold medal is the country’s 20th in the competition over the last 32 years following a magnificent run that saw him set a new Olympics Record of 8:03.28.

Typical of Kipruto’s style of running, he dashed to take an early lead at the start of the race while two-time Olympics and four-time world champion Ezekiel Kemboi kept his pace checked, sticking to the middle of the pack together with compatriot Brimin Kipruto.

Kemboi and Brimin ran side-by-side before the latter pulled away to join the leading two; American Evan Jager and Kipruto.

With two laps to go, it was Jager, Kipruto and Kemboi blazing the trail, setting up a dramatic last lap that saw Kipruto speed off the last stretch to claim gold.

As the front three approached the bell lap, Kipruto overtook Jager and raced gallantly to the finish line. The 21-year-old even afforded to slow down with close to 150m to go, waving to an ecstatic crowd at the Olympic Stadium before crossing the finish line.

Kemboi surrendered second place to Jager with only a few meters to the finish line as the American record-holder stormed down the homestretch to claim America’s first medal in the event in 32 years.

Beijing Olympics 3000m steeplechase champion Brimin finished seventh clocking in at 8:18.79.

LEADING RESULTS