Many Kenya athletics fans have been concerned about the questionable form of Asbel Kiprop 2015. Kiprop has dominated the mile and 1500m since 2008. But in 2015 his form has been below par. Any fears about his purported poor form were assuaged on Friday June 12 at the Bislett games in Oslo. Kiprop won the dream mile sprinting home in 3:51.45 ahead of the fellow Kenyan who finished last year as world leader, Silas Kiplagat and well ahead of arch rival Ayanleh Suleiman of Djibouti.

“It was my fourth time here and my fourth win, which is excellent for me.

“I knew Souleiman asked for a very fast pace, but for the rest it was too fast and going into the last lap we were nearly all together.

“At that time I was thinking there is a good chance I can win again at Bislett.” said Kiprop.

Birech Dominates steeplechase

Last week Jairus Birech lost a close battle with 5 time champion Ezekiel Kemboi at Prefontaine. But at the Bislett games , Birech 22-was in dominat form again. Jairus Birech, who won six of the 7 Diamond Leages races last year, won going away in 8:05.63. This time Kemboi was not a factor as Birech used a fast early pace to shake off Kemboi.

2013 World Champion silver medallist Conseslus Kipruto, who had started off his year with third place showings in Shanghai and Eugene, moved up a spot to second in 8:11.92. The only other man under 8:15 was Kenya’s Paul Kipsiele Koech (8:12.20, for 3rd).

Birech set a fast pace hot so he could drop Kemboi before the bell as Kemboi has a lethal kick. Birech was on the heels of the rabbit early on. By the 2km mark he had gapped the field and Kemboi was alread in 4th some 3-4 seconds back. After that, Kemboi totally packed it in as he ended up 10th in 8:30.07.

Other races

Faith Kipyegon finished second in the women’s 1500m finishing in 4:00.94  behind Laura Muir. Carvin Nkanata finished 5th in the 200m. He has yet to recapture the scintillating form he exhibited to start the season. –