Kemboi sons: We want to be champions like our father

When the flamboyant and 'crazy jigman' Ezekiel Kemboi held his nerve for a remarkable fourth consecutive world gold in the 3,000m steeplechase on Monday evening, the entire country burst into a frenzy. For a moment, Kenyans transcended their tribal affiliations and were united by their flag and national pride.

Family, friends and fans, including Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, cheered on the athletes at the Klique Hotel in Eldoret.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago (centre), Ezekiel Kemboi’s children Victor Kemboi, Dennis Kemboi (left), their mother Jane (third left, second row) and Eldoret residents celebrate after Kemboi won a gold medal in Beijing. (PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD)

Many others took to the streets when Vivian Cheruiyot regained the women's 10,000m title just a year after starting a family.

But it was a special night for Kemboi's wife Jane and his sons Dennis, 13, and Victor, 10. Like everyone else, Victor and Dennis were on their feet cheering their father on. Pride swelled in their hearts and tears welled in their eyes as Kemboi led Conseslus Kipruto, Brimin Kipruto and Jairus Kipchoge Birech in a 1-2-3-4 sweep for Kenya.

"I am happy to watch him. I knew he was capable of doing that because he had trained well. Our father is confident of himself and always certain of victory when he is well prepared," said Dennis.

"I want to be a champion like him. But I doubt if I can match his performance," he added.

Victor, the younger one, added, "As the son of Ezekiel Kemboi, I must thank him for the win. I am proud of him. I help him in his trainings."

Like every wife, Jane was over the moon but expressed an unusual calm. To her, the victory was no surprise.

"My husband had prepared well. Success in this sport is all about a perfect discipline, good diet and a healthy life. Of course, I also show love for him to prepare himself psychologically," said Jane.

Kemboi's second wife Naomi said it was an exciting moment for her family.

Her five-year-old son Ian Kibet says, "I want to emulate my father and bring gold to Kenya in future."

The family later joined jubilant residents brandishing county and national flags through the streets of Eldoret to celebrate the athletes' victor.

Two neighbouring villages in Nandi County had presented their two sons in their bid to end Kemboi's reign in the 3,000m steeplechase race.

Silver medalist Conseslus Kipruto comes from Ndubeneti village while fourth-placed Jairus Kipchoge Birech comes from the neighbouring Lutiet village.

Conseslus' mother Linah Kuto, a former middle distance runner, said she had tipped her son to win gold medal in Beijing.

"I told Conseslus to go for gold medal. We hoped that he would win it, but unfortunately he did not. We are hopeful that his time will come. We are happy for Kemboi's victory though," said Linah.

In 2013 in Moscow, Russia, Kemboi beat Conseslus to silver medal. Mr Cleophas Saina, who is Conseslus' uncle, said they had advised him to win gold.

"We advised him to react swiftly like Kemboi. We knew Kemboi is a threat to him," said Saina.

When Kemboi won silver medal in 3,000m steeplechase at the world championships in 2003 in Paris, Conseslus who won silver behind him in in Beijing on Monday was just nine years old.

Gladys Kimaiyo, Jairus Kipchoge Birech's wife, said a fourth-place for husband in Beijing was a good show given that Birech made his debut in the world championships.

"He will use the Beijing experience to sharpen his skills as he prepares for Olympics (in Rio, Brazil) next year. He will be defending his Diamond League trophy in Zurich next week, which will be his last race this season.

"I know Jairus is going places. Beijing was very hot and that could have affected his performances. We are happy that those who beat are Kenyans," said Gladys.

And Mandago took the elated fans around the streets and, at one point, he demonstrated to the crowds Kemboi's jig and the celebratory theatrics.

"We will put up a high-altitude training camp in Chakaya in Timboroa. The county has put aside Sh21 million for the project," Mandago said.

The men's 3,000 steeplechase stands out as Kenya's number one track speciality. And there was no better place to display its blitz than in Eldoret town – often billed as the Mecca of world athletics.

Kenyan dominance in the water and barriers race dates back to the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when Amos Biwott led Benjamin Kogo in a 1-2 finish. Kipchoge Keino and Ben Jipcho then replayed the feat in 1972 in Munich Germany at the Olympic Stadium.

The stars keep on shipping the bullion from foreign lands and when Ezekiel Kemboi led Conseslus Kipruto, Brimin Kipruto and Jairus Kipchoge Birech into a historic 1-2-3-4 sweep, Eldoret town went into a frenzy.