Background

The 2004 Summer Olympics were held in Athens Greece from 13 to 29 August. Kenya finished with 1 gold 4 silver and 2 bronze. The 2004 games came at a time when a test for EPO had just been formulated but had not been approved for out of competition testing. As such Kenya had a torrid time in the distance events.

3000m Steeplechase: Kenyans occupy top 4 positions

This event was the only bright spot for Kenya. It was a very strong team consisting of Ezekiel Kemboi, Paul Kipsiele Koech and Brimin Kipruto. Perhaps the strongest team Kenya has ever fielded in this event. The trio did most of the front running. They were occassionally challenged by Kenyan born Qatari, Musa Abeid Omer (formerly Moses Kipkirui and by Spaniard Eliseo Martin. In the end, Kemboi finished well ahead of everyone, Kipruto was second while Koech did enough to fend off Omer for bronze.

Race Video

Other Medals

Isabella Ochichi took silver in the women’s 5000m behind Meseret Defar. Catherine Ndereba took silver in the marathon.Bernard Lagat finished second to Hicham el Guerrouj while Eliud Kipchoge took bronze in the 5000m behind El Guerrouj and Kenenisa Bekele.