Dj Vnyash
One of Kenya’s most celebrated 3,000m steeplechase icons has called for a reevaluation of the country’s approach to the event.
Moses Kiptanui, a former world record holder in the 3,000m steeplechase, believes Kenya can reclaim its dominance in the water and barrier race.
He expresses frustration over Kenya losing its stronghold on the men’s steeplechase.
Kiptanui, now a businessman in Eldoret, broke the 3,000m world record twice, in 1992 and 1995, becoming the first man to run the distance in under eight minutes before Wilson Boit and Bernard Barmasai succeeded him.
“Our women are still doing their best in the 3,000m steeplechase, even though there are many untapped talents out there. When I see the country losing its grip in the men’s category, it makes me mad because we have the potential to excel,” says the three-time world champion.
The Olympic silver medallist advocates for establishing structures to identify steeplechase talent from primary school through tertiary institutions.
He argues that starting talent identification in schools will ensure a sustainable pipeline of athletes.
In an interview at his Kachibora village in Cherangany Constituency, Trans Nzoia County, Kiptanui criticized county governments for not adequately supporting athletics.
“It’s a leadership issue. There must be goodwill. Counties should allocate budgets for athletics. Resources are given to other sports, but athletics often get nothing during budgeting, despite bringing in millions in foreign currencies,” he says.
He notes that steeplechase runners from other countries have learned and perfected the tactics that once brought Kenyan athletes great victories.
Kiptanui calls for more steeplechase legends to be involved in preparing teams for major global competitions like the Olympics and World Championships.
“We excelled in the 3,000m steeplechase, but now more work is needed. We have been stuck with our old tactics. Those of us who succeeded in the event haven’t been asked to help prepare national teams for international championships,” says Kiptanui.
He continues, “Athletes from neighboring countries train with our Kenyan athletes but then go on to defeat us. We need to find ways to regain our steeplechase glory.
“Many track athletes are moving to road racing because of the lucrative prizes, forgetting that marathons are only run twice a year.”
Kiptanui believes athletes can still earn substantial prizes on the track with more support from corporate sponsors for local competitions.
“During our peak, we had many track competitions, but now it’s mostly road races. When running for causes like environmental conservation or peace, we only have road races. Why can’t we have annual track races sponsored by our corporates?” he asks.
He adds that while the country’s athletes have shown potential in sprints like the 100m, there are still few opportunities to compete and win prizes locally.
“Technology has improved. Today, you don’t need a pacemaker on the track. You compete with the flashlight, and if you’re ahead, you know it’s a world record,” Kiptanui told Standard Sports in an interview.
Regarding the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics, Kiptanui is skeptical about the country winning a gold medal in the 3,000m steeplechase.
However, he is optimistic that the Sh5 million reward for breaking world records could motivate more talent and better performance among steeplechasers.
“I predict five or six gold medals. Women will likely deliver three medals, and men two. All the medals will come from athletics. We used to excel in boxing, but training facilities are no longer as good as they were in the past,” the legend says, based on his observations.
