KENYA’S “MINI BOLT” EZEKIEL KEMBOI; THE JOURNEY OF INSPIRATION.

KENYA’S “MINI BOLT” EZEKIEL KEMBOI; THE JOURNEY OF INSPIRATION.

How Kenya has dominated 3,000m s/c Olympics race

1984- Julius Korir- Los Angeles

1988- Julius Kariuki- Seoul

1992- Mathew Birir- Barcelona

1996- Joseph Keter- Atlanta

2000- Reuben Kosgey- Sydney

2004- Ezekiel Kemboi- Athens

2008- Brimin Kipruto- Beijing

2012- Ezekiel Kemboi- London

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zekiel Kemboi has entered into the annals of Kenyan Athletics History and Hall Of Fame. Despite a pending court case back home on assault charges, the World 3,00m Steeplechase Champion ensured the Olympics title over the distance remained in Kenya’s hands for the 8^th straight time, when he triumphed in London on Sunday.

Kemboi now becomes only the 2^nd two-time Olympics champion in the event, after Finnish Volmari Iso-Hollo took back to back titles in 1932 and 1936 in Los Angeles and Berlin.

The other Kenyan to have won two Olympic titles, although in different events, is national Olympics committee chairman, Kipchoge Keino. Kip won the 1,500m gold in Mexico 1968 before bagging the 3,000m steeplechase title in Munich in 1972.

Kemboi led Kenyan men to 3,000m steeplechase podium sweep in Athens in 2004. however, he lost steam as Brimin Kipruto took gold in Beijing 4 years later, where Richard Mateeloong finished 3^rd behind Benabbad of France. Kemboi finished 6^th.

With the London victory, Kemboi has now cemented his place in the history of steeplechase with 2 Olympics and 2 world titles over the distance. In London, Kemboi left journalists and the world in stitches with his “Kemboi jig dance” after winning. Asked why he chose to run the last 100m on lane 8, Kemboi hinted that he was making a statement about moving from the steeplechase race to the marathon.

What about his signature hair style where he leaves an island of hair? Kemboi lamented his “mo-hawk” or “punk” style was a round shave replica of the gold medal he was anticipating to win. You gotta love this guy!

Benabbad repeated his Beijing performance to once again deny Kenya a 1^st podium since 2004.

Source: The People Newspaper Kenya.