Kenya runs to the top of the world in Beijing championships

Gold medallist Asbel Kiprop and silver medalist Elijah Motonei Manangoi celebrate after the final of the men’s 1,500m event at the 2015 IAAF World Championships Sunday. (PHOTO: AFP)

NAIROBI: It is in the compelling zest of adventure, victory and creative action, that man finds his supreme joys, noted French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupery ages ago.

And last evening, inside the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing, Asbel Kiprop sealed a hat-trick in the 1,500m to trigger a maelstrom of joy back home.

It was a thrilling performance as the 26-year old employed his nerve-wracking, come-from-behind tactic to dip at the tape, and beat compatriot Elijah Motonei Managoi in the gold rush.

In the end though, it did not matter, as Kenya sat on the peak of the medal table above other great sporting nations such as Jamaica, USA and Russia.

For the first time, Kenya stood tall at the apex of the mountain of victory by emerging as the best country worldwide.

The 1,500m gold put the icing on Kenya’s athletics cake with 16 medals — seven gold, six silver and three bronze.

The Kenyan team, part of the 1,936 athletes (1043 men and 893 women) in contention, looked stronger than the one that competed in the 2013 championships in Moscow when the country finished fourth, out of 206 countries, with 12 medals (five gold, four silver and three bronze).

Vivian Cheruiyot and David Rudisha, who were not in Moscow, reclaimed their 10,000m and 800m titles respectively as Kiprop and Ezekiel Kemboi retained their 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase crowns.

Kiprop led Manangoi, who took the wooden spoon in 2014 Glasgow Games, to silver medal.

Kemboi orchestrated Kenya’s historic 1-2-3-4 sweep in the water and barriers race, which surpassed the 1997 and 2007 podium sweeps.

Julius Yego improved on his fourth place in javelin when he hurled an impressive 92.72m to set a new Africa record, which is the third longest distance in history.

Nicholas Bett did the unthinkable when he won 400m hurdles gold medal, which was the first one for Africa in world championships.

Eunice Sum surrendered her 800m title, settling for bronze and Edna Kiplagat could not stretch a hat-trick in the women’s marathon. She finished fifth.

The women’s marathon team that comprised Kiplagat, a two-time world champion, Visiline Jepkesho and Helah Kirop, however, staged a gutsy show than Kenya’s men who were outrun. The showpiece started on a sour note when world record holder Dennis Kimetto and former record holder Wilson Kipsang dropped off mid-way as the Paris Marathon winner finished a distant 22nd place.

Britain’s Mo Farah, the double Olympic and world champion, continued to haunt Kenyans in the 5,000m and 10,000m races. Kenya has not won the 10,000m and 5,000m races since 2001 and 2005 respectively.

Geoffrey Kamworor (10,000m) and Caleb Ndiku (5,000m) gave the Briton stiff challenge.

Hyvin Jepkemoi Kiyeng retained the 3,000m title that Milcah Chemos won in Moscow.

Faith Chepng’etich’s bid to win Kenya a women’s maiden 1,500m gold medal at the world championships were thwarted by Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba.

Dibaba later bagged a bronze medal behind Almaz Ayana and Senbere Teferi in 5000m. Mercy Cherono, who bagged silver in Moscow in 2013, finished in fifth place.

Kenya’s leaders paid glowing tributes to the athletes.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga praised the team for the sterling performance.

The President said the athletes have proved to the world that they have the talent, discipline, determination, teamwork and vision to successfully compete at the highest levels.

“Our young people have once again shown that they are as good as the world’s best and brightest,” President Kenyatta said.

Ruto said it is not possible to put a price on the goodwill and visibility the victories bring to the nation. “I am personally thrilled by the performance of our athletes who have put our name top in the world map.

“You are our great ambassadors who should be emulated and envied as well. We are grateful for your talent, your dedication and your inspiration,” Mr Ruto said.

Raila praised the remarkable run that has “seen our nation open a new chapter in athletics history books".