Kipruto keeps Kenya's streak

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-19 08:19

Brimin Kiprop Kipruto of Kenya won his first Olympic title in the men's 3,000m steeplechase yesterday to maintain his country's dominance in this event.

The 23-year-old finished in 8min 10.34sec to win the title which Kenyan runners have retained since Los Angeles Games in 1984.

While it was his seasonal best result, he was pushed to the limit by the silver medalist, Frenchman Mahiedine Mekhissi, who ran in 8:10.49.

Kenya's Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong won the bronze in 8:11.01.

The defending champion, Kenya's Ezekiel Kembol, could only finish in seventh.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/19/2008 page6)