Ezekiel Kemboi, one of Kenya’s most celebrated steeplechasers, has expressed concerns about Kenya’s ability to reclaim its dominance in the men’s steeplechase. The event, once synonymous with Kenyan excellence, has seen a decline in recent years, with rivals like Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco and Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma taking center stage.
Kemboi, who boasts an illustrious career with four world titles (2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015) and two Olympic gold medals (2004 and 2012), believes Kenya’s current crop of male athletes faces a daunting challenge. While Conseslus Kipruto briefly carried the mantle, winning two world titles and an Olympic gold, injuries have hampered his progress, leaving a gap in Kenya’s once-dominant lineup.
The responsibility now falls on athletes like Amos and Edmund Serem, Abraham Kibiwott, and Simon Kiprop Koech. However, Kemboi is skeptical about their ability to topple El Bakkali and Girma, who have established themselves as the best in the event. According to Kemboi, Kenya’s chances at the Paris Olympic Games were slim, with third place being the most realistic target. His prediction proved accurate, as Abraham Kibiwott fought hard to secure a bronze medal.
Kemboi argues that reclaiming the top spot will require a long-term approach. He emphasized the need for Kenyan coaches to identify and nurture fresh talent, focusing on preparing young athletes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This, he believes, is the most viable timeline for Kenya to reestablish itself as a dominant force in the steeplechase.
“Coaches need to focus on discovering new talent and training them effectively for the next three or four years. Only then can we begin to plan for a resurgence,” Kemboi explained. He acknowledged the strength of athletes from Ethiopia and Morocco, noting that Kenya would need to adapt its strategies to compete effectively against them.
While the men’s steeplechase faces significant hurdles, Kemboi is more optimistic about the women’s team. He highlighted the potential of athletes like Olympic bronze medallist Faith Cherotich and world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech. Despite setbacks, Chepkoech is expected to return to form, while Cherotich is seen as a strong contender for a medal at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
The women’s competition, however, is not without challenges. Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Winfred Yavi has emerged as a formidable rival, defeating Kenyan athletes at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and the Paris Olympic Games. Kemboi believes that while Yavi remains a significant obstacle, the Kenyan women’s team has a better chance of bouncing back compared to the men.
Kemboi’s reflections underscore the need for strategic planning and investment in young talent to revive Kenya’s steeplechase legacy. With a focus on long-term development and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes, Kenya can hope to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of the sport.
