Written by Palinyang Billy Gabriel 2012-08-06 08:45:00 Read 1711 Times

Kenya’s athlete Ezekiel Kemboi finished first in the men’s 3000m steeplechase bagging the first gold for Kenya in the ongoing London Olympics continuing Kenya’s dominance in the sport since 1968.

Kemboi clocked 8:18.56 and was closely followed by Frenchman Mekhissi-Benabbad Mahiedine, who ran 8:19.08 to bag silver.

Kenya’s Abel Mutai Kiprop settled for bronze after clocking 8:19.73. As another Kenyan Brimin Kipruto lost some ground when he tripped but recovered well to finish fifth after registering 8:23.03.

Silver medalist Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad of France & Gold medalist Ezekiel Kemboi of Kenya celebrate after the Men's 3000m Steeplechase on Day 9 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 5, 2012. Photo by Stu Forster / Getty Images

Elsewhere, Kenya’s chase for a 1-2-3 in the men’s 1500m final is on course after Asbel Kiprop, Nixon Chepseba and Silas Kiplagat qualified for the final set for Tuesday 7th August at 11.15pm Kenyan time.

Kiprop who is the defending champion ran at a time of 3:42:92 controlling slot 1 but slowed down in the final to allow Algeria’s Makhloufi Taoufik who clocked 3:42.24 to finish first.

 Silas Kiplagat clocked 3:34.60 and was second to winner Moroccan Iguider Abdalaati (3:33.99) in slot 2 and Nixon Chepseba was fourth after running for 3:34.89 to earn a finals slot.

Usain  Bolt crossing the finishing line with 9.63 to retain his title as the world fastest man. Photo | ESPN | Courtesy

And Jamaican and World record holder Usain Bolt clocked 9.63 to beat a powerful pack and comfortably retain his title as the world’s fastest man. Yohan Blakes who beat Bolt in the Jamaican qualifiers was second while American Justin Gatlin improved his personal best to get bronze.

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