Emmanuel Korir Wins First Gold for Kenya in Tokyo Olympics

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Kenyan middle-distance runner Emmanuel Korir on Wednesday, 4th August, won the first gold medal in the men’s 800m at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics in Japan.

His compatriot, Ferguson Rotich, took the silver while Poland’s Patryk Dobek claimed the bronze.

Korir clocked 1:45.06. Rotich finished second with a time of 1:45.23 while Dobek finished third, clocking 1:45.39.

“It’s amazing. I mean I’m so happy and grateful; this is a big achievement. I’ve been praying and hoping to maybe one day have a medal and today I have it and I’m so thankful,” Korir said after the race.

Kenya has now retained the gold medal in four straight Olympic Games in 800m finals.

David Rudisha holds the world record (1:40.91) and won the gold in the last two Olympics in London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Rudisha has since congratulated Korir and Rotich for their performance.

“Back to Kenya! We retain gold in four straight Olympic Games in 800m men. Congratulations, Emmanuel Korir, and Furguson Rotich,” tweeted Rudisha.

Meanwhile, Hyvin Kiyeng won the bronze medal in the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase, clocking 9:05.39.

The race was won by Ugandan Peruth Chemutai, who clocked a time of 9:01.45, ahead of American Courtney Frerichs who timed 9:04.79

Kenya’s world record holder, Beatrice Chepkoech, finished seventh in 9:17.33.

This was the second bronze for Kenya after Africa 3,000m steeplechase champion Benjamin Kigen won the first bronze in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase on Monday, 2nd August.

The post Emmanuel Korir Wins First Gold for Kenya in Tokyo Olympics appeared first on LitKenya.

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