Tag Archives: Benjamin Kigen

Athletics

Over ten former Kenyans return to haunt Kenyan athletes in Oregon

Siblings Norah Tanui Jeruto, the former Commonwealth Youth Games 2,000m bronze medalist and Daisy Jepkemei, the former world junior 3,000m steeplechase champion are some of the huge athletes’ talents exported to other nations.

The duo will simply be Kenyans versus former Kenyans affair at this year’s World Athletics championships that will be held in Eugene, Oregon, in the United States of America.

With most exports lining up on track and road running where over 1900 athletes from 192 World Athletics (WA) member federations will be battling out for 43 gold medals at the Eugene Hayward Field between July 15th to July 24th.

According to the list released by WA, Jeruto. Who won the World Youth 2,000m steeplechase in 2011 and succeeded by Jepkemei who won the title in 2013 as the race became a family affair will be representing Kazakhstan.

They will fly the Kazakhstan at the world championships and are expected to give a competitive race against fellow Kenyans running for Kenya.

Jeruto is also the 2016 Africa Senior Athletics 3,000m steeplechase champion while Jepkemei is the former Africa Youth 2,000m steeplechase champion.

Another Kenyan born Winfred Mutile Yavi will be running for Bahrain in the same race against Kenyans led by world 3,000m record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, Jackline Chepkoech, Celliphine Chespol Chepteek and Purity Kirui.

In the recent past, Kenyan athletes’ have switched their allegiance has seen their new nations claim a big share of Kenyan glory as they are spread across the world.

Just like in 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Ruth Jebet won gold in the 3,000m steeplechase and Eunice Kirwa won silver in the marathon behind Jemimah Sumgong.

Despite Kenyans switching nationalities, their love is not lost since they can communicate in Swahili and still train in their country of origin.

Eunice Chebichii Chumba will be representing her new found lover Bahrain where she will be competing in a marathon. Just Chebichii, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter will be representing Israel in the marathon.

The two former Kenyans will be chasing the marathon title against reigning champion Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir, Paris marathon champion Judith Jeptum Korir and Vienna City marathon champion Angela Tanui.

In men, Jonah Koech will be representing the hosts in the 800m competing against Kenyans led by reigning world under 20 800m bronze medalist Noah Kibet, reigning Commonwealth Games 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal, Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Korir and world under 20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

In a crowded 10,000m, Belgium’s Isaac Kimeli will be up in arms for his new nation, competing against Commonwealth Games 10,000m bronze medalist Rodgers Kwemoi Chumo, Daniel Mateiko and Stanley Waithaka Mburu.

Two former Kenyan athletes will be flying the American flag in the 3,000m steeplechase. Hillary Bor and Bernard Keter will face former country mates Leonard Bett, Abraham Kibiwot, Benjamin Kigen and reigning champion Conseslas Kipruto.

Others who have switched allegiance include, Bahraini Benson Kiplagat Seurei, the son of 1987 All Africa Games 1,500m champion James Seurei who competes in 1,500m, Mike Ozbilen Kigen in marathon representing Turkey, Abraham Rotich (800m) and Albert Rop (5,000m), Rose Chelimo, Isaac Korir and Abraham Cheroben (10,000m).

Lucy Kimani, Yasemin Can, Tarik Langat Akdag run in 3,000m steeplechase, Ali Kaya, Ilham Tanui, Ozbilen, Meryem Akda, Bernard Lagat, Paul Chelimo, Leonard Korir and Shadrack Kipchirchir, Evans Kiplagat.

 

Athletics

Abraham Kibiwot and Alice Aprot out of Africa Team

The 2018 Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwot and former Africa 10,000m champion Alice Nawouna Aprot and have been ruled out of the 22nd edition of the Senior Africa Athletics championships that will begin this week in Reduit, Mauritius.

The duo picked injuries while in camp ahead of team departure today ahead of the continental championships to be staged at the Cote d’Or National Sports Complex.

With the championships set to kick off Wednesday to Sunday.

Kibiwott will be replaced by his training mate and former Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto.

Kipruto will now team up with reigning Olympics bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen and Geoffrey Kirwa.

Aprot with a hip injury won’t be replaced, leaving Purity Komen and Brilliant Jepkorir to carry the Kenyan flag in this race.

Athletics

Soufiane El Bakkali runs world leading time then collapses

Olympics 3,000m steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali ran a in a meeting record and world leading time at the Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athletisme held on Sunday (5) in Rabat, Morocco.

El Bakhali who ended Kenya’s 25 years run of success in steeplechase in Tokyo, was at it again as he defeated for the first time the two time World champion Conseslus Kipruto as he also went ahead to once more defeat Olympic silver medallist Lamecha Girma from Ethiopia.

The 26 year-old took control of the race as he marked his strongest opponent at the moment as they chased each other with El Bakhali hitting the front down the back straight and during a pulsating final lap as he dipped under the exclusive club for the second time as he crushed the race meet record and running a world time of 7:58.28 and collapsed on the track in delight.

The 2019 World silver medallist and Ethiopian National record holder over the distance was forced to settle in second as he also ran the sub eight for the second time in 7:59.24 with his compatriot Hailemariyam Tegegn, who had kept in touch with the two leaders until the final lap, finishing in third place in a personal best of 8:06.29.

The 2016 Olympic champion Kipruto made a point on his comeback from injury as he finished in fourth place in 8:12.47, with Avinash Mukund Sable finishing fifth with an India National Record of 8:12.48.

Reigning Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist, Benjamin Kigen and Africa junior 3,000m steeplechase champion Abraham Kibiwott finished in a disappointing eighth and ninth place in a time of 8:17.32 and 8:18.78 respectively.

Athletics

Conseslus Kipruto to battle Bakkali and Girma in Rabat

Former Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto will be up against Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali at the Rabat Diamond League that will be held on Sunday (5) in Rabat, Morocco.

The 27 year-old who is also a two time World champion will face the inform Bakhali and the Olympic silver medalist Lamecha Girma who ran last week a world leading, Ethiopian National record and the twelfth fastest all-times of 7:58.68.

Kipruto who missed the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan through injury, made his debut this season at the Athletics Kenya Athletics Kenya National track and field championships in April, will also be making his season debut in Rabat and will have an uphill task as he faces his two main rivals whom he beat at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, where he clocked 8:01.35 to narrowly beat Girma who came second in 8:01.36 with Morocco’s El Bakkali closing the podium in 8:03.76.

El Bakhali who ended Kenya’s 25 years run of success in steeplechase in Tokyo, will be hoping to shine at home as he comes to this race with the fastest time on paper of 7:58.15, followed by Girma with Kipruto missing on the exclusive sub 8 club with a life time best of 8:00.12.

Tokyo Olympic Games bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games bronze medallist, Mekhissi Mahediene from France and the 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, Abraham Kibiwott have also been line up to fight for the top honors.

Athletics

Kibiwott, Kigen to battle Saufiane El Bakkali in Doha

Africa junior 3,000m steeplechase champion Abraham Kibiwott will battle for honors with the Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase bronze medalist Benjamin Kigen at the Doha Diamond League Meeting that will be held on Friday (13) in Doha, Qatar.

The 25 year-old who is fresh from winning the Kip Keino Classic last Saturday,  Kibiwot is optimistic about posting good results as he faces Kigen who comes to this with the fastest time on paper of 8:05.12 that he got at the 2019 Herculis Meeting.

Kibiwott who is also the African Championships Bronze medallist comes to this race holding the second fastest time of 8:05.72 that he got at the same venue as Kigen but finished a distant fifth.

The two will battle for honors with the Olympic 3,000m steeplechase champion Saufiane El Bakkali from Morocco, Tokyo Olympics 3000m silver medallist Lemecha Girma and African Championships bronze medallist, Getnet Wale.

Other title contenders include former World U20 champion Leonard Bett, Kenyan-born American, Hillary Bor and Lawrence Kemboi.

Athletics

Benjamin Kigen to defend his title as Kenya names team for Africa championships

Reigning Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen will be seeking to defend his water and barrier title at the 22nd edition of the Africa championships that will be held from 08 June to 12 June  in Reduit, Mauritius.

Kigen who is the World Military Games champion has named alongside the 2015 African Junior Champion Abraham Kibiwott and Geoffrey Kirwa

The 2015 Africa Games Athletics championships silver medalist Boniface Mtunga Mweresa is back into the National team after serving his two-year ban for use of higenamine, a prohibited substance in sports.

The 28 year-old will be competing in 400m alongside two time’s National champion, Collins Omae Gichana and William Rayan.

Athletics Kenya named the final squad of 68 athletes, 34 men and 34 women that will be representing Kenya at the bi-annual championships.

The team will be under the tutelage of Julius Kirwa where Kenya will have teams in men and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay races.

Three-time World 10,000m bronze medallist Paul Tanui will be chasing his maiden win.

Final team

Women

  1. 100m -Maximilla Imali, Monica Safania, Eunice Kadogo
  2. 100m hurdles -Priscilla Tabunda
  3. 200m -Maximilla Imali, Millicent Ndoro, Eunice Kadogo
  4. 400m – Veronica Mutua, Jacinta Shikanda, Hellen Syombua
  5. 400m hurdles -Jane Chege, Ann Mwangi
  6. 800m -Jarinter Mawia, Naomi Korir, Vivian Chebet
  7. 1500m -Purity Chepkirui, Winny Chebet, Brenda Chebet
  8. 3000m SC- Jackline Chepkoech, Cellphine Chespol, Carren Chebet
  9. 5000m – Beatrice Chebet, Caroline Nyaga, Nesphine Jepleting
  10. 10,000m -Alice Aprot, Judy Komen, Brilliant Chepkorir
  11. 4x100m -Maximilla Imali, Monica Safania, Eunice Kadogo, Millicent Ndoro, Mercy Chebet
  12. 4x400m- Veronica Mutua, Jacinta Shikanda, Hellen Syombua, Joan Cherono
  13. 20km Race Walk- Sylvia Kemboi, Emily Ngii, Grace Wanjiru
  14. Hammer- Lucy Omondi, Linda Oseso, Roselyne Rakamba
  15. Javelin- Martha Musai

Men

  1. 100m- Ferdinand Omanyala, Samuel Imeta, Dennis Otieno
  2. 110m hurdles -Wiseman Were, Michael Musyoki,
  3. 200m -Ferdinand Omanyala, Dan Kiviasi, Mike Mokamba
  4. 400m-Collins Omae, William Rayan, Boniface Mweresa
  5. 400m hurdles-Wiseman Were, William Mbevi, Rotich Kipkorir
  6. 800m -Noah Kibet, Nicholas Kebenei, Elias Ngeny
  7. 1,500m -Abel Kipsang, Kumari Taki, Daniel Munguti
  8. 3,000m SC -Abraham Kibiwott, Geoffrey Kirwa, Benjamin Kigen
  9. 5,000m -Daniel Simiu, Ismael Kirui, Michael Kibet
  10. 10,000m-Kenneth Kiprop, Julius Chepkwony, Paul Tanui
  11. 4x100m –Ferdinand Omanyala, Samuel Imeta, Dennis Otieno, Dan Kiviasi, Hesbon Ochieng
  12. 4x400m- Collins Omae, William Rayan, Boniface Mweresa, Kennedy Kimeu, Nathaniel Kipng’etich
  13. 20km Race Walk -Samuel Gathimba, Heristone Wanyonyi, Simon Wachira
  14. High jump –Mathew Sawe, Asbel Kiprop
  15. Triple Jump- Gilbert Pkemoi, Isaac Kirwa, Philip Mwendwa
  16. Hammer- Dominic Abunda
  17. Javelin –Julius Yego, Alexander Kiprotich, Methusela Kiprop
  18. Decathlon-Edwin Too, Gilbert Koech
  19. Team manager- Ainsworth Maragara
Athletics

Benjamin Kigen wins 3000m steeplechase race at KDF championships

Tokyo Olympics 3000m steeplechase bronze medallist, Benjamin Kigen lived to his expectations as he ran away with the men’s title at Kenya Defence Forces Track and Field Championships that were held at their newly Commissioned Ulinzi Sports Complex in Langata, Nairobi.

The 2019 African Games champion crossed the finish line in a time of 8:37.35 and was followed by Wesley Langat who crossed the finish line a distant later in 8:41.19 with Elias Kibet closing the podium three finishes in a time of 9:03.58.

Athletics

Edward Zakayo is back as Kenya lines up its best at the Kip Keino Classic

Kenya will be lining up the best field ever at the second edition of Kip Keino Classic, the World Athletics Continental Tour set for Saturday (18) at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.

Two time Olympic 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon leads Kenyan list that has world Under-20 1,500m champion Purity Chepkirui, Continental Cup 1,500m champion Winnie Chebet, former World 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono and The 2017 World Athletics Under-18 Championships 1,500m bronze medallist, Edinah Jebitok.

The Kenyans will be battling for the title against former world indoor 1,500m silver medallist Axumawit Embaye, African Games 800m champion Hirut Meshesha, Gela Hambese, Uganda’s Winnie Nanyondo.

In the men’s field, reigning world under-20 champion Vincent Keter, Abel Kipsang alongside Olympic silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot.

Former world under 20 5,000m champion Edward Zakayo, who is back after a long time and he will be battling with former Africa junior champion Nicholas Kimeli and Jacob Krop for the honors in 5,000m.

After setting 10km world record, two time World 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes Tirop will have a date with former World Cross Country bronze medallist Lilian Kasait, and world 5,000m silver medallist Margaret Chelimo will be in women’s 5,000m as well as world under-20 3,000m champion Teresiah Muthoni gateri and Eva Cherono

Fresh from winning an Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase title in Tokyo, Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali El Bakkali will be taking on Tokyo Olympics Games 3,000m bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen, world under-20 champion Amos Serem, Commonwealth Games silver medallist Abraham Kibiwott and 2016 world under-20 champion Amos Kirui as well as Ethiopia Chala Beyo, Samuel Firewu and Abraham Sime.

In women steeplechase race, Olympic champion and Ugandan Peruth Chemutai will lead the contingent that has two-time world under-20 3,000m steeplechase champion Celliphine Chespol, and 2014 Commonwealth Games champion Purity Kirui, world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Hyvin Kiyeng.

National 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala Omurwa will be up against two time world 100m champion Justin Gatlin in the 100m title chase.

World under 18 400m silver medalist Mary Moraa will take on world 800m champion Halimah Nakaayi from Uganda in the women’s 800m.

Olympic 800m silver medalist Ferguson Rotich will run alongside Cornelius Tuwei and Collins Kipruto.

Athletics

Benjamin Kigen beats Olympic champion in Zurich

The Tokyo 2020 3000m steeplechase bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen was in great shape when he pulled an expected kick to lift the Diamond League trophy for the first time at the Wanda Diamond League series that were held on Thursday (9) night in Zurich.

The Africa 3,000m steeplechase champion who led a Kenya’s podium sweep at the Paris Diamond lived to his hyped expectations as he defeated the Olympic champion Soufiane EL Bakkali who missed out on a first career Diamond Trophy.

Kigen, 28, pulled away from the Moroccon almost at the finish line to claim victory in 8:17.45. EL Bakkali had no option but to settle in second place in 8:17.70.

Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist Abraham Kibiwot came home in third in 8:18.16.

Another Kenyan, Leonard Kipkemoi Bett who finished in second place in Paris managed to cross the line in fourth in 8:20.20 with Getnet Wale from Ethiopian finishing in fifth in 8:21.11

Athletics

Benjamin Kigen to battle Soufiane EL Bakkali and Lamecha Girma in Zürich

Fresh from winning the 3,000m steeplechase bronze medal at the concluded Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, Benjamin Kigen will be lining up at the Zurich Diamond League on Thursday (9).

The Africa 3,000m steeplechase champion led Kenya’s podium sweep at the Paris Diamond League almost two weeks ago lines up in search of water and barriers points.

The 28 year-old ran with a world lead at the Paris meeting with 8.07.12 will square it out with the Tokyo Olympic champion Soufiane EL Bakkali who has a season best of 8:08.54 which is the fourth fastest time on paper in this race.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and World silver medallist Lamecha Girma has also been rolled in to battle for the finals. Girma pushed Rio gold medallist to the wire at the World champion and he is a man on the mission as his pace and motion dictates as he always tackles the barriers. The Ethiopian has the second fastest time behind Kigen in this race and he is a man to watch.

Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist Abraham Kibiwot, who was second behind Kigen in Paris will be fighting for a podium slot with his 8:07.75 which is the third fastest time.

Ethiopia will be represented by Tadese Takele and Getnet Wale both coming with a season best of 8:09.37 and 8:09.47 respectively.

Another Kenyan Leonard Kipkemoi Bett who took bronze in Paris is also in the list as well as Mohamed Tindouft from Morocco who has a SB of 8:11.65.

Others who have been included are Ahmed Abdelwahed (8:12.04) from Italy, United States Hillary Bor (8:14.69) and Kenya’s Wilberforce Chemiat Kones (8:21.42).

LEADING TIME

3000m STEEPLECAHSE

  1. Benjamin Kigen          (KEN) 8:07.12
  2. Lamecha Girma          (ETH) 8:07.75
  3. Abraham Kibiwott      (KEN) 8:07.81
  4. Soufiane EL Bakkali   (MOR) 8:08.54
  5. Tadese Takele             (ETH)8:09.37
  6. Getnet Wale                (ETH) 8:09.47
  7. Leonard i Bett             (KEN) 8:10.21
  8. Mohamed Tindouft    (MOR) 8:11.65
  9. Ahmed Abdelwahed   (ITL) 8:12.04
  10. Hillary Bor                   (USA) 8:14.69
  11. Wilberforce Kones     (KEN) 8:21.42