Long wait for women 3,000 S/C gold continues as Kiyeng settles for bronze
Kenya’s wait for an olympic gold medal in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase has been stretched after race favourite Hyvin Kiyeng settled for bronze at the Olympic stadium in Tokyo yesterday.
Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai who clocked 9:01.45 out sprinted America’s Courtney Frerichs 9:04.79 as the two won gold and silver respectively.
Kiyeng, silver medalist at the Rio Games in 2016 clocked 9:05.39 after needing a late surge to fend of Ethiopia’s who Mekides Abebe who finished fourth in 9:06.16.
It was a great improvement for the Ugandan who finished fourth in the 2019 World Championships which was won by World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech who once again struggled. She finished seventh in 9:16.33.
Meanwhile, 100m national record holder Ferdinand Omanyala has jetted back into the country from Tokyo.
Omanyala, who made history by becoming the first Kenyan to advance to the semifinals of the elite 100m dash event, was evidently elated with his achievement for the country as he landed.
“I am happy to jet back to the country and the love from the family and the country is just overwhelming” said Omanyala.
Omanyala broke his recent national record of 10.01 to set a new one of 10.00 as he crossed the line in the first heat of the semi-final to beat, among others, the former world champion, Yohan Blake of Jamaica, who he terms as his role model. He finished in the third spot.
The 100m sensation hopes that his achievement in the Olympics will inspire many young Kenyans into the new sprints territory.
Meanwhile, The National Rugby women team also jetted in the country after putting in their best efforts at the Tokyo Games, where they finished position nine overall.
With the lessons learnt from the Olympics, they expect to work on their weak areas as they now focus on future events.
