Kenya Takes A Break From Election Drama To Cheer Manangoi And Obiri Gold

Kenyans over the weekend took a break from all the drama surrounding the General Elections to unite and cheer for its athletes who took home the gold medal at different events at the London IAAF World Championships.

In the men’s 1,500 meters, Kenya celebrated a dazzling one-two finish with Elijah Manangoi leading home his friend Timothy Cheruiyot.

See Also: IAAF World Athletics Championships: Geoffrey Kirui Delivers Kenya’s First Gold Medal

Manangoi, who is the fastest man in the world in this event this year, finished with a time of 3 minutes 33.61 seconds just ahead of Cheruiyot who finished with 3 minutes 33.99 seconds.

Manangoi had to dig deep to beat his young training partner, Cheruiyot, on the home straight of the last individual track event of the competition.

“We have had very good champions in the event over the years so it is a proud moment for me to win this title for my country,” said Manangoi.

“I knew I was in pretty good form and thought I could make the podium but to win this gold is wonderful.”

“It was just such a good race and I’m so pleased to be a world champion. I had a difficult race as Timothy raced very well but I had that extra strength,” he added.

Compatriot Cheruiyot said:

“I am happy we [Kenyan athletes] prepared well for this. Me and Elijah train together and he is my friend, so I am happy for him and for me.”

Kenya was hoping to have a clean sweep of medals with former champion Asbel Kiprop who was bidding for his fourth consecutive 1,500 meters gold medal.

Kiprop briefly threatened but found the pace too hot on the last lap which saw him fade into ninth place. He finished with 3:37.24.

Read Also: IAAF World Championships: Kiprop, Obiri, Yego Leads Kenya’s Hunt For Medals

In the women’s 5,000 meters race, Hellen Obiri ran the race of her life to beat the event’s defending champion from Ethiopia, Almaz Ayana.

She won the gold medal with a time of 14 minutes 34.86 seconds. Ayana took silver in 14 minutes 40.35 seconds with the Netherlands Sifan Hassan finishing third in 14:42.73.

Other Kenyans, Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi (14:48.74) and African champion Sheila Chepkirui Kiprotich (14:54.05) finished fifth and seventh respectively.

Obiri’s victory will serve as consolation and pay back for her Olympic silver medal last year.