Steeplechase. If there is a sport that we came across and decided belongs to us, surely it is the 3000m Steeplechase. It stands out as one of the most arduous track and field races with its water troughs and hurdles. Ever wondered where the steeplechase race design came from? Horses.
The history of this unique race dates back to Ireland where church steeples were used as landmarks for a horse race. Streams and rivers dotted the countryside and when the race moved from horses to humans the curious format was maintained. By the mid-19th century competitors were instructed to run from one zone to another over a series of obstacles. It was a race with a twist. The challenge was to run through the set track, whose path went under a river and through zones with barriers, both of which competitors were required to jump over. Steeplechase became an Olympic race in 1920… without the church steeples!
As challenging as this race is, Kenyan athlete Amos Biwott’s jump technique and running rhythm gained him his Olympic qualification. He was one of two runners who represented Kenya in the 1968 steeplechase event.
With more African countries qualifying in 1968, all eyes were on the games in Mexico City. The Kenyan athletics team rode fierce in their flag-coloured attire. The sound off had the men running with Benjamin Kogo leading the pack for a greater part of the race until the final leg. One last hurdle and it was homestretch with Biwott who was two athletes behind, a five second time lapse between all four athletes as they neared the finish line. In what seemed to be a nitro boost, Biwott sped past all three, crossing the finish line four steps ahead of Kogo.
The crowd on site cheered in excitement. A win for Kenya with Biwott the day’s victor and pacesetter Kogo an able second.
The duo of Amos Biwott and Benjamin Kogo ran that first steeplechase at the Olympics and clinched it for Kenya. Any guesses as to how many times we have dominated the medal stand for the 3000m steeplechase? Hiyo ni yetu!
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