KENYA'S FIRST GOLD? Kiyeng, Chepkoech and Rotich eyeing maiden steeplechase title tomorrow
Athletics
By
Bismarck Mutahi in Rio Di Janeiro
| Aug 14, 2016
World 3,000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng cruised into tomorrow's finals after winning Heat Three in the qualifying rounds.
Kiyeng, who seeks to add an Olympic title to her world title, clocked 9:24.61, which automatically secured her a place in the final.
She was just happy to have secured a place in the finals and would not say much as she waits for the gold medal race.
Another Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech also won Heat Two without much fuss in 9:17.55 ahead of Tunisia's Habiba Ghribi.
The Tunisian was third in 9:18.71 behind Emma Coburn (9:18.12) of United States, another athlete who has challenged African and Russian dominance in the water and barriers race.
Ruth Jebet, a Kenyan-born Bahraini sent a strong statement with a commanding show in Heat One which she won 9:12.62.
Jebet, an alumni of Nairobi's Riruta Central School, alongside Ghribi and Coburn are Kenya's biggest threats and it remains to be seen whether Kiyeng will respond when called upon tomorrow.
Kenya's Lydia Rotich who tried chasing down Jebet in the closing stages of the race could only manage a fifth place finish in 9:30.21 and had to wait to know if she would make the six fastest losers in the three heats.
The first three across the line in each heat were assured of a place in the final and others had to wait to know if their time was fast enough to earn them slots in the finals.
Rotich can now breathe easy after her shows in Heat Three, which was slower, saw her glide into the final.
Meanwhile, Deputy President William Ruto visited Team Kenya at the Olympic Village yesterday and said the athletes had assured him they will strive to perform well.
"You remember we promised you that we will accompany our ambassadors, that is the sportsmen wherever they go and represent us and I am here today to support them and ensure that they are in good shape and ready to represent us well," Ruto, who also jogged around the village with the athletes said.
He also weighed in on the issue of officials like Team Manager Michael Rotich and coach John Anzrah, saying any official found to have made a mistake will be dealt with.