TOKYO 2025: Kenya’s 24-year wait for men’s 10,000m gold continues
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 14.09.25. | 16:40
The three Kenyans were well-placed for much of the race, sticking with the lead pack until the final 600 metres
Kenya’s long pursuit of men’s 10,000m glory will stretch into its third decade after the trio of; Ishmael Kipkirui, Edwin Kurgat, and Benson Kiplangat fell short in a tense final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday, September 14.
The three Kenyans were well-placed for much of the race, sticking with the lead pack until the final 600 metres.
But when the decisive surge came, they faded much to the disappointment of Kenyans who had invested hopes of a medal in them.
It was Jimmy Gressier of France who stunned the field with a well-timed kick, powering down the final straight to clinch gold in 28:55.77.
Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha settled for silver just six-hundredths of a second behind (28:55.83), while Sweden’s Andreas Almgren completed the podium in 28:56.02.
Kipkirui was the best-placed Kenyan, narrowly missing a medal in fourth at 28:56.48.
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Pre-race favourite Kurgat could only manage seventh in 28:57.83, while Kiplangat, struggling with fatigue, stepped off the track with 2400m to go.
The absence of Uganda’s defending champion Joshua Cheptegei, who has since moved to the marathon, had raised Kenyan hopes of ending the barren run.
But the tactical nature of the race proved unforgiving.
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A large group of 15 runners stayed shoulder to shoulder deep into the final mile, before attrition and sharp changes of pace cut the pack down.
At the bell, Ethiopia’s Selemon Barega briefly stretched the field, but Gressier’s closing speed proved irresistible.
His victory delivered France its first-ever men’s 10,000m world title.
For Kenya, the result deepened a painful drought.
Since the event was introduced at the inaugural World Championships in Helsinki in 1983, the country has only produced three champions in Paul Kipkoech (1987), Moses Tanui (1991), and Charles Kamathi (2001).
Since Kamathi’s triumph in Edmonton 24 years ago, the crown has been passed between Ethiopians and Ugandans, leaving Kenya with near misses and fading finishes.
Sunday in Tokyo was another reminder of just how elusive the men’s 10,000m gold has become for the East African powerhouse.
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