Kipruto, Birech make statement of intent
Jairus Birech clears a hurdle during the men's 3000m steeplechase first semi-final during the Kenyan trials the IAAF World Championship on June 23, 2017 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
What you need to know:
- Kipruto timed 8:36.0 to prevail in the first semi-final.
- Birech posted the fastest time of 8:34.7 beating 2008 Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto and World Under-20 Champion Amos Kirui in 8:35.1 and 8:35.4 respectively.
Olympic 3,000m steeplechase gold medallist Conseslus Kipruto and 2015 Diamond League Series winner Jairus Birech won their respective 3,000m steeplechase races to storm the final at the World Championships trials on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Kipruto timed 8:36.0 to prevail in the first semi-final, beating Benjamin Kigen and Felix Kirongo in 8:36.5 and 8:37.0 as both sailed through to the final.
Conseslus Kipruto (extreme right) clears a hurdle in the 3000m steeplechase semi-finals during the Kenyan trials for the IAAF World Championship on June 23, 2017 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Birech posted the fastest time of 8:34.7 beating 2008 Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto and World Under-20 Champion Amos Kirui in 8:35.1 and 8:35.4 respectively.
"I really want a championship medal after I finished fourth in 2015 Beijing Worlds besides failing to make it to Rio Olympics after I fell sick," said Birech.
Men's 3000m Steeplechase semi finals 1
1. Consensus Kipruto 8:36.0
2. Benjamin Kigen 8:36.5
3. Felix Kirongo 8:37.0
4. Abraham Kibiwot 8:37.4
5. Justus Kipkorir 8:37.7
6. Barnabas Kipyego 8:38.0
Men's 3000m Steeplechase semi finals 2
1. Jairus Birech 8:34.7
2. Brimin Kipruto 8:35.1
3. Amos Kirui 8:35.4
4. Daniel Kipchumba 8:35.9
5. Joash Kiplimo 8:37.9
6. Festus Kiprono 8:41.8
