Emmanuel Korir put up a blistering performance to win the men’s 800m race and lead compatriot Ferguson Rotich in an impressive Kenyan finish at Men’s finals on Wednesday. Kenya also managed bronze for women after Hyvin Kiyeng finished third behind Uganda Peruth Chemutai and USA Courtney Frerichs moments following her victory, though they were previously disappointed with only silver from Eunice Jepkorir who narrowly missed out by one hundredth of second ahead of Bahrain Meriem Ramzi.
“The race definitely wasn’t easy, I had to work extremely hard. Nobody knew what would happen and that we would have to go out there and run so hard,” Korir said.
“This (winning gold) means a lot to me. I am so happy because I have been training more than twice a day for this moment and it is very special to me. Today is my day, and I made it not only to the finals but the top of the podium. This is the best day for me in track and field.”
“Winning a gold medal is nothing easy. There was some pressure because I know that many Kenyans back home wanted us to win and we have won the event a lot.”
The Kenyan 800m runner Korir celebrated his victory by dedicating it to the man who raised him, and in doing so became one of only four Kenyans ever to win gold at Olympics. He joined an exclusive club led by Paul Ereng, Kenya’s coach since 1988. William Tanui was the first for Kenya when he won a silver medal in Barcelona 1992 before Dennis Bungei regained glory with Beijing 2008 title (and world record holder David Rudisha).
The Olympic Games have always been something special for me,” said Korir after winning Sunday night.”I dedicate this race not just myself but also my mom and father because they sacrificed everything – their jobs as well-to put me through school”
Poland’s Patryk Dobek took a stunning surprise bronze at the European Championships today. His time of 1:45.39 was just enough to edge out Australia’s Peter Bol, who had taken the initiative in the early stages of this race and wound up fourth outside medals with his finish-time of 1:46.92%. Botswana’s Amos Nigel, 2012 London Olympics silver medallist and pre-race favorite owing to his world lead coming into these championships finished an uncharacteristically disappointing eighth place (1:47)
Poland’s Patryk Dobek surprised many by taking third place for Poland on Thursday after finishing with a strong effort that clocked him in at 1 hour 45 minutes 39 seconds; beating fellow
