First batch of medallists back home

Kenya’s Olympic 1,500 metres silver medallist Asbel Kiprop, who received his glittering medal on Wednesday from middle distance running legend, Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj, is among two medalists who will arrive in Nairobi on Thursday night after their tour of duty at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Teenager Kiprop lost to Bahrain’s Rashid Ramzi in a sprint finish at Tuesday’s final that was punctuated by pushing and shoving throughout the race.

Ramzi, a former Moroccan, was expected back in action on Wednesday for the 5,000m heats in his bid for a rare double but pulled out of the race, the effects of his hard-fought victory quite evident.

Steeplechase bronze medallist Richard Mateelong will also be aboard the Emirates Airlines flight that will touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 6.50 pm.

The two make up part of a Kenyan delegation that leaves Beijing at dawn for the long trip and that includes sports commissioner Gordon Oluoch and National Olympic Committee of Kenya treasurer Fridah Shiroya.

Also among those arriving back home on Thursday night are the women’s 10,000m trio of Lucy Kabuu, Linet Masai and Peninah Arusei, Vincent Mumo, who was eliminated in the 400m first round, and marathoner Salina Kosgei.

Others include former Olympic steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi who failed to retain his title and who spoke of his intention to switch to the marathon ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London.

“I will take it easy and maybe run a few races in the Grand Prix season that is remaining and then continue with my training. I hope to make the Kenyan marathon team for the 2012 Olympics,” he said at the Olympic Village.

Kemboi developed stomach cramps after clearing a barrier on the last lap of the final won by compatriot and world champion Brimin Kipruto.

Pressure mounts on AK

“I felt a sharp sensation in my stomach after I cleared the hurdle and I tried to push but I was feeling so bad and I just decided to take it easy to the finish,” the Kenya Police officer said.

Also on the early flight home is world junior steeplechase record holder Ruth Bosibori who settled for sixth in the women’s steeplechase final won by Russia’s Gulnara Samitova-Galkina with Kenya’s Eunice Jepkorir taking the silver.

“Some of the other athletes will make their own travel arrangements, especially those still competing in Europe, while the rest of the team travels back after the Games on August 27,” Kenya’s chief de mission to the Beijing Games, David Okeyo, also Athletics Kenya’s secretary, said on Thursday.

Okeyo spoke as pressure mounted on Athletics Kenya to explain the reason behind 400m runner Elizabeth Muthuka’s failure to travel to Beijing despite having qualified and despite having shown top form that climaxed with national records in the one-lap race.