Kenya the champ of the 3000 metres men’s steeplechase for the past 45yrs with 21medals

Kenyan world steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi (left)  crosses a finish line.

By KAMAU MUTUNGA

Kenya is the undisputed champ of the stamina-sapping 3000 metres men’s steeplechase. With 21 cumulative Olympic medals - 10 of them solid gold, no country has ever spiked our ‘Cheps’ in the chase for the past 45 years. It all began with Amos Biwott winning Gold during the 1968 Mexico Olympics. The then 21-year old outsprinted compatriot Benjamin Kogo to silver position after tickling the crowd with the comically rustic jumping of barriers with both feet.