This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
Kenya's Benjamin Kigen made history by clinching the country's first gold medal at the African Games, winning the men's 3,000m steeplechase final on August 27, 2019 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
World and Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto pulled out of the race with two laps to go, while fellow Kenyan Joash Kiplimo failed to finish after falling to the ground in the second lap.
Initially, Ethiopia's Takele Malese and Bayabl pushed for the lead, followed closely by Kipruto and ElBakkali. However, Kipruto's withdrawal left Kigen as the sole Kenyan competitor, alongside Bayabl and ElBakkali.
As the final lap approached, Kigen found himself in a fierce battle with Bayabl, with ElBakkali slowly dropping off. In the end, Kigen emerged victorious, crossing the finish line first.
'I am very happy to win because I did not expect things to turn out this way. It is just unbelievable,' said a delighted Kigen after his conquest in Morocco's administrative capital.
Before the race, Kigen had spoken with his teammates, including Kipruto and Kiplimo, about working together to maintain Kenya's dominance in the distance event. Although Kipruto dropped out, Kigen remained focused on securing the gold medal.
Conseslus Kipruto, who is still on the recovery path, explained that he pulled out of the race as a precautionary measure to avoid any further complications that might hinder his preparations for the upcoming World Championship in Doha, Qatar in September.
'On Saturday, I competed at the Paris Diamond League and experienced discomfort in my shoulder, which recurred today. I opted to pull out to avoid any further complications that may hinder my preparations for the Worlds. I had talked with Kigen prior to the race and I am happy he has delivered the gold,' said Kipruto.
