Ben Kigen BLOWS AWAY Kipruto and Jager at Pre, closes in 57.89 -- fastest steeple closer ever?

El Keniano wrote:

You said it, NativeSon. Birech and Brimin Kipruto, even when they were in better shape than all their competitors, showed distinct lack of fight when it counted. Birech still doesn't have a global medal, considering he was once unbeatable, and Kipruto could've been the world record holder. Unfortunately for us, they are both better than most when running trials at altitude.

I have always had a soft spot for Tim Cheruiyot who seems very humble, quiet and exceptionally talented, but often gets overshadowed by his friend and training partner with the big kick of the former sprinter that he is. Timo is reportedly a very good lapper who can do it without pacers. Hopefully this is the year he steps out of Elijah Manangoi's shadow. Both say they want to break 3:28 this year so we'll see. I hope they succeed given the recent very disappointing news.

Our 1500m team seems set even without Kiprop.

I have no idea who the third guy will be but these two suffice. A real competition between Manangoi and Cheruiyot is what we need.

Yes, Brimin plateaud! He ran that one crazy race at near world record race and that was basically his end.

I was getting scared of our men's steeplechase team but it seems we are okay. I can't wait for next year (worlds).

I wish I knew what ails Birech but I don't.

he is an enigma. One minute he is hotter than Venus (the planet). The next, he is lukewarm.

I can't figure him out and frankly, in a competition, I have settled for the fact that he will always fall outside the medal bracket.

The tragedy is that he usually makes the team. Kipruto (Brimin) too.

I am surprised that Koech is still running.

^ No idea.. A couple years ago, I saw a long TV piece about him where he said the world record was his greatest desire and that he was going to gun for it in the following season. Then I heard he’d been injured and he’s never been the same since.

He was briefly mentioned a couple of months ago, in a story by the Standard about former stars fallen on trying times. The short exchange with the writer, where he denied what he was being asked, was almost funny. You can read the article for yourself. It is actually surprisingly insightful.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001273577/athletes-race-from-rags-to-riches-and-back-to-rags

The 1500m has a great future with teenagers Kumari Taki, Justus Soget and George Manangoi set to join the two Rongai guys. For the steeple is actually looking good for beyond Tokyo with a bunch on U18s I've noticed with potential for great things.

But the Kenyan Federation really makes you wonder sometime. I recall a race where Koech blasted a 7:54 with a solo last mile trying to redeem himself from a bad race at the trials and they still weren't convinced enough.

Conseslus is still the future of the steeple for the next 5 years probably. I won't be surprised if a bunch of 8:10 guys start threatening the 8 barrier soon (not necessarily Kenyans). Much like that year where a sub 9 in the woman sudently felt normal.

You're right because he's still only 23. But like I said, he was getting complacent and needed someone to scare him a bit. I hope this turns into a great rivalry.