Kenya got its first Olympic gold medal in this year’s Games in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.
Kemboi finished the race in 8 minutes and 18.56 seconds to take the gold. Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad of France took the silver.
Kenya’s Abel Mutai secured bronze, however, there was some drama when defending champion and compatriot Brimin Kipruto tripped with 700m left to go. Kipruto recovered swiftly but could only finish fifth.
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Kenya has dominated this race in the past Olympics and this year was no different. Kemboi also won the Olympic title in 2004.
The 30-year-old celebrated on the side of the track with a dance in front of the capacity crowd of 80,000 at the Olympic Stadium.
photo credit: Reuters
