November 04, 2024

2004: Kemboi leads historic steeplechase sweep in Athens

2004: Kemboi leads historic steeplechase sweep in Athens

Ezekiel Kemboi continued Kenya’s dominance of the 3000m steeplechase, claiming the gold medal as he led a Kenyan clean sweep of the race, leading Brimin Kipruto and Paul Kipsiele Koech to silver and bronze respectively.  This was Kenya’s first ever clean sweep of the steeplechase at the Olympics.

In 2004, the spiritual home of the games, Athens, hosted the Olympics. For the first time ever, women outnumbered men in the Kenyan contingent to Greece which was comprised of 46 athletes ( 22 men and 24 women) taking part in four disciplines namely Athletics, Rowing, Volleyball and Swimming. Kenya was not represented in boxing for the first time since 1964.

Ezekiel Kemboi continued Kenya’s dominance of the 3000m steeplechase, claiming the gold medal as he led a Kenyan clean sweep of the race, leading Brimin Kipruto and Paul Kipsiele Koech to silver and bronze respectively.  This was Kenya’s first ever clean sweep of the steeplechase at the Olympics.

Kemboi’s gold proved to be the only one for the country, the other medals coming through Bernard Lagat’s silver in  the 1500m as well as silver medals from Isabella Ochichi in the 5000m and Catherine Ndereba in the women’s marathon.  Eliud Kipchoge was Kenya’s second bronze medalist, finishing third in  the men’s 5000m.

The women’s volleyball national team was ranked 12th out of 12 teams while competitors in rowing and swimming did not advance beyond the first round.

Kenya’s contingent to Athens 2004

ATHLETICS: Men: Ezra Sambu, Vincent Mumo, Victor Kibet (400m), Wilfred Bungei, Joseph Mutua, Michael Rotich (800m), Bernard Lagat, Timothy Kiptanui, Isaac Songok (1500m), Eliud Kipchoge, John Kibowen, Abraham Chebii (5000m), John Korir, Moses Mosop, Charles Kamathi (10000m), Ezekiel Kemboi, BriminKipruto, Paul KipsieleKoech (3000m steeplechase), Eric Wainaina, Paul Tergat (Marathon)

Women: Faith Macharia (800m), Nancy Lagat (1500m), Isabella Ochichi, Edith Masai, Jane Wanjiku (5000m), Lucy Kabuu, Alice Timbilil, Sally Barsosio (10000m), Catherine Ndereba, Alice Chelangat, Margaret Okayo (Marathon)

ROWING: Ibrahim Githanga (Men’s Single Sculls)

SWIMMING: Amar Shah (Men’s 100m breastroke), Eva Donde (Women’s 50m freestyle)

VOLLEYBALL:Philister Jebet, Abigael Tarus, Nancy Nyongesa, Catherine Wanjiru, Janet Wanja, Dorcas Ndasaba, RoselidahObunaga, Leonidas Kamende, Violet Barasa, Gladys Nasikanda, Mercy Wesitula, Judith Serenge