Kenyan Brilliance in Doha

The Diamond League meet in Doha happened last week, and Kenyan athletes came out shining. It may arguably have been the greatest diamond league outing for Kenyan runners as they won all the distance events that they were scheduled for; from the 800m to the 3000m steeplechase. Overall, there were a total of six wins and four world leading times. Absolute brilliance. 

The most impressive event was the women’s 3000m race in which Beatrice Chebet, with a world leading time of 8:27.49, led other four Kenyans to occupy the top five positions that included Hellen Obiri in fourth position.

Faith Kipyegon, despite not being her favorite distance, narrowly missed the world leading time after running 1:58.26 to win the women’s 800m race. Wycliffe Kinyamal won the men’s race ahead of Ferguson Rotich in a world leading 1:43.91, while Timothy Cheruiyot continued his unbeaten winning streak since 2019 by winning the men’s 1500m race in a world leading time of 3:30.48.

Norah Jeruto ran a world leading time of 9:00.67 to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase ahead of Ethiopia'’ Mekides Abebe. Beatrice Chepkoech withdrew from the race and Hyvin Kiyeng fell down at the last water barrier. Moses Kipsang won the men’s race that was not part of the main diamond league events.