Kipruto sets Olympic record

Rio de Janeiro: World silver medallist Conseslus Kipruto on Wednesday stunned two-time Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi to win the 3,000m steeplechase gold at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Kipruto clocked a new Olympic record of 8:03.28 to win Kenya its fourth gold medal of the Games while USA's fast-rising steeplechaser Evan Jager outpaced Kemboi on the homestretch to bag silver in 8:04.28.

Kemboi won bronze in 8:08.47 and immediately announced his retirement from the water and barrier race. With high expectations placed on the Kenyan runners in the race, Kipruto finally came of age with his composed running to clinch the one gold medal that Kenyans have practically made their own in the last nine editions of the Olympics.

Former Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto finished seventh in 8:18.79. "The race was good but my body failed to respond. I just felt tired," Brimin, the 2008 Beijing Olympics champion said after the race. After the final water jump, Conseslus, who was already cruising, started pumping his fists in victory as it became apparent that he was going to be new Olympic champion.

"I'm so happy! I think the season has been good for me. I was aiming to beat Kemboi and be the Olympics champion. As you know, it has been so hard to beat Kemboi. As for the early celebration, I watched the big screen and realised I was far ahead of everyone," Conseslus said.