Kipruto Retains Steeplechase Title In A Thrilling Finish In Doha

5th October 2019

The 24-year-old Olympic champion had it all to do coming to the final barrier but he summoned up a final burst of acceleration and hit the line abreast of Girma

Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya celebrates winning gold in the Men's 3000 metres Steeplechase final during day eight of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on October 04, 2019 in Doha, Qatar.PHOTO/ GETTY IMAGES
Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya celebrates winning gold in the Men's 3000 metres Steeplechase final during day eight of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on October 04, 2019 in Doha, Qatar.PHOTO/ GETTY IMAGES
SUMMARY
  • The duo spent a nervy few seconds awaiting the result before Kipruto raised his arm and went and sat on a barrier -- putting his finger to his lips and then one hand in the shape of a telescope to his eye
  • Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali had taken the lead going into the final lap but had to settle for the bronze timing 8:03.76

DOHA, Qatar- Conseslus Kipruto of Kenya retained his 3000 metres steeplechase title just getting up to deny Ethiopian rival Lameche Girma in a thrilling finish in Doha on Friday winning in a world leading time of 8min 01.35sec.

The 24-year-old Olympic champion had it all to do coming to the final barrier but he summoned up a final burst of acceleration and hit the line abreast of Girma.

The duo spent a nervy few seconds awaiting the result before Kipruto raised his arm and went and sat on a barrier -- putting his finger to his lips and then one hand in the shape of a telescope to his eye.

READ MORE: From Gun To Tape: Chepkoech Wipes Floor With Opponents To Win Steeplechase Gold In Doha

Girma -- who had shared the burden of pacemaking with his Ethiopian team-mates whilst the Kenyans sat in behind them -- set a new national record of 8:01.36.

Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali had taken the lead going into the final lap but had to settle for the bronze timing 8:03.76.