M. KisengeTOKYO 2020: Eyes on Kiyeng and Chepkoech in the 3000m steeplechase final
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.08.21. | 10:04
Former World champion Hyvin Kiyeng and record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will be seeking to deliver Kenya’s first gold medal in the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympic games when they race in the 3000m steeplechase final scheduled for 2PM EAT at the Olympic Stadium
Kenya lost the coveted men’s laurel on Monday after Benjamin Kigen settled for bronze behind silver medalist Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia and Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali who clinched gold.
The loss in Tokyo elicited uproar on social media as Kenya had enjoyed success in the past nine consecutive editions of the Games and all eyes will be on the two girls who have procured themselves respect in the water and barrier race at the global stage.
Tomorrow's schedule👇. Big day for #TeamKenya🇰🇪🇰🇪#YouAreTheReason pic.twitter.com/ZWiNfP1Wad
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) August 3, 2021
The two will look to be looking to be feted as the new champion as the suspended Ruth Jebet of Bahrain who struck gold in 2016 will not be competing.
Additionally, they will be gunning to end Kenya’s long wait for the gold medal over the distance having won silver and two bronze medals in the past three edition of the Games held in Brazil, London and China respectively.
Kiyeng, a 2015 World champion coasted to comfortable victory win the semis while Chepkoech who doubles up as the World champion and record holder finished third in her heat.
Women's 3000m Steeplechase
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) August 1, 2021
Heat 2 Results
Beatrice Chepkoech came home 3rd 9:19:82 She's through to the next round💪🇰🇪😊#YouAreTheReason #TeamKenya pic.twitter.com/tL4JvYktYR
Kiyeng who settled for silver in the 2016 edition will be hoping to upgrade to gold while Chepkoech who finished fourth in Rio will be looking to add an Olympic medal to her rich collection.
The two will face stiff competition from 2016 bronze medalist Emma Cobourn and Kenyan born Bahraini Yavi Mutile who is also the Asian champion. Multiple World bronze medalist Crause Gesa of Germany will also be in the mix so is 2017 World silver medalist Courtney Frerichs of the United States of America.
