World U20 champion on why Kenya has struggled to end 36-year 5000m men's Olympic gold drought
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 12.08.25. | 15:26
It has now been 36 years since John Ngugi’s historic victory at the 1988 Seoul Olympics
Kenya’s rich legacy in distance running is unquestionable, yet the elusive Olympic gold medal in the men’s 5,000m continues to slip away.
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It has now been 36 years since John Ngugi’s historic victory at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Since the modern Games began in 1912, Kenya has claimed only that sole gold medal in this prestigious event.
Legendary names like Kipchoge Keino (silver, 1968), Naftali Temu (bronze, 1968), Paul Bitok (silver, 1992 and 1996), Eliud Kipchoge (bronze, 2004; silver, 2008), and Thomas Longosiwa (bronze, 2012) have graced the podium, but none have matched Ngugi’s feat.
Recent editions have only deepened the drought. At both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, Briton Mo Farah reigned supreme as Kenya’s challenge faltered.
In Tokyo 2021, Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei took gold ahead of Canada’s Mohammed Ahmed and American Paul Chelimo, with no Kenyan in the medal bracket.
At the Paris Olympics, Ronald Kwemoi delivered a silver medal, clocking 13:15.04 behind Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who set a new Olympic record of 13:13.66. American Grant Fisher claimed bronze in 13:15.13.
The world rankings have told a similar story. By July 2024, Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet (12:39.73), Yomif Kejelcha (12:38.95), and Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo (12:40.96) led the charts. The top Kenyan, Kurgat, was 25th with a season-best of 12:57.52.
There was, however, a spark of hope. In 2024, Andrew Alamisi claimed the men’s 5,000m gold for Kenya at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru, a result that reignited belief among fans.
Mozzart Sport caught up with Alamisi, who noted that the key to reclaiming the crown lies in discipline and consistency.
“Right now, every country is training hard, and at this level, success comes down to two things: hard work and determination.
We can’t control what others are doing, but we can control our effort. If we remain consistent in training and stay disciplined, everything else will fall into place,” the youngster told Mozzart Sport.
On why Ugandans like Jacob Kiplimo excel despite sharing similar altitude conditions with Kenya, Alamisi pointed to the finer details.
“Of course, factors like altitude and the coach’s program also play a big role in performance. Every detail matters when you’re aiming to be at your best,” he offered.
With a newfound composure on the big stage, Alamisi could well be the athlete to unlock Kenya’s long-awaited resurgence in the 5,000m. He is no longer weighed down by nerves during major competitions.
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“I never feel any pressure when I head to competitions. Having run so many races over the years, that initial fear and nervousness are gone.
I step onto the track with confidence, knowing I’ve done the work and prepared myself for the challenge ahead,” he said.
For Alamisi, his main aim has always been to make his parents proud and change the situation at his home, Kipsegon in Mt Elgon.
“My biggest motivation is always to make my family proud. I come from a very humble background in Kipsegon, Mt Elgon, where I was raised by my mother, Jackline Cherotich, and my father, Martin Alamisi.
They have supported me through every step of my journey,” he disclosed.
That motivation will be on full display when he lines up for the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday, 22 August, in Switzerland.
“This year, I’m looking forward to competing in the Lausanne Diamond League, and I’m working hard to ensure I’m ready for that stage,” he said.
At the Tokyo World Championships, Kenya will once again look to break the 5,000m curse through Nicholas Kipkorir, who is the sole Kenyan who qualified in the distance.
