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IAAF.org: Full of surprises – Kenyan Olympic Trials, final day - Athens squad announced
Kemboi wins but Kipruto catches the eye
2004-06-27
Nairobi, Kenya - On a fine afternoon at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, 15,000 spectators saw the Olympic ambitions of Reuben Kosgei, Wilson Boit Kipketer, Charles Kamathi, Patrick Ivuti and Edith Masai bite the dust today.The revelation of the mens 3000m Steeplechase final was the world’s
second fastest of the season Brimin Kipruto, who at only 19 years of age
finished second (8:17.1) behind World silver medallist Ezekiel Kemboi (8:16.5),
and so was automatically selected for the Olympics. Kipruto will also compete
in the World juniors in Grosseto next month in the 1500m.
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Abraham Cherono tried to set up a fast
pace but failed to hold his position after Kemboi, followed by Kipruto moved to
the front with two laps remaining. Cherono who finished in third (8:23.0) also
made the Athens team.
Reuben Kosgei, the reigning Olympics Steeplechase champion dropped out of
today’s race on the last lap, while Boit Kipketer, the 1997 World
champion and former World record holder was pushed into sixth.
Kipchoge dominant at 5000m
In what was expected to be the feature race of the two-day meeting, World
champion Eliud Kipchoge won the mens 5000m in commanding style, demolishing a
world class field midway.
Kipchoge heaved a sigh of relief at the finish, confirming “my chest
has been heavy with anxiety for a whole year. It is now cleared having won
today and from now I can say Athens will be easy.”
Kipchoge having concentrated on the 1500m so far this year
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