Paris Olympics: Kenyan trio advance to 3000m Steeplechase final
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 05.08.24. | 21:13
While the duo of Kibiwott and Koech had automatic qualification, Serem had to appeal his way to the final following an infringement in Heat One.
The Kenyan trio of Abraham Kibiwott, Amos Serem, and Simon Koech are through to the Paris Olympic Games 3000m steeplechase final.
This is after the trio, who are hoping to reclaim the title last won in the Rio 2016 Games by Conseslus Kipruto, prevailed in the semifinals held at the Stade de France on Monday night.
Kibiwott, the most experienced out of the three having debuted in the Games three years ago in Tokyo, clocked 8:12.02 to finish third in Heat Two.
He finished behind Tindouft Mohamed and Samuel Firewu both of Morocco and Ethiopia, respectively.
Koech, who was racing in Heat 3 was third as well after timing 8:24.95
He finished behind Rooks Kenneth of the United States of America and record holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia.
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While the duo of Kibiwott and Koech had the automatic qualification, Serem had to appeal his way to the final following an infringement in Heat One.
The Commonwealth Games bronze medalist was well on course to advance to the final as one of the top five finishers in Heat One.
He was, however, pushed off track when preparing for the penultimate water jump and had to retake it.
Replays show that a push by German athlete Karl Bebendorf threw Serem off balance when he was about to clear over the barrier, forming sufficient grounds for Kenyan officials to appeal.
Despite the massive rift between him and the leading pack, Serem ‘kicked’ hard and closed in the gap but his efforts couldn’t guarantee him automatic qualification.
Defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco won the race in 8:17.90, with Leonard Chemutai of Uganda coming in second in a season’s best of 8:18.19.
Wale Getnet of Ethiopia, who finished fourth in Tokyo, placed third in the heat after clocking 8:18.25
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