African games champion Brian Komen shocked the athletics world by defeating former World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot to win the men's 1500m at the Doha Diamond League. Komen's stunning victory, clocked at 3:32.43, marks his first Diamond League triumph.
The race was intensely competitive, with Cheruiyot, a seasoned champion, leading as they approached the final 100 meters.
However, Komen, the African Games champion, surged late, showcasing remarkable speed and resilience to overtake Cheruiyot. Despite a strong effort, Cheruiyot finished second with a season-best time of 3:32.67.
Adding to Kenya's impressive performance, World U20 champion Reynold Kipkorir secured third place, finishing in 3:32.96. This resulted in an all-Kenyan podium sweep. Abel Kipsang, another Kenyan competitor, finished thirteenth, also recording a season-best time of 3:35.67.
Komen's victory extends his outstanding start to the season, building on his recent second-place finish at the Kip Keino Classic, where he ran a time of 3:32.29.
His performance in Doha signals his rising prominence in the 1500m event, as he continues to challenge and outperform some of the best in the world.
In contrast to the Kenyan success in the 1500m, the men's 3000m steeplechase brought disappointment for Kenya. Commonwealth Games champion Abraham Kibiwott was narrowly beaten by Ethiopia's Samuel Firewu, who finished first with a world-leading time of 8:07.25.
Kibiwott came in second, achieving a season-best time of 8:07.38. Another Ethiopian, Getnet Wale, secured third place with a season-best 8:09.69.
Kenyan steeplechaser Amos Serem finished fourth, also with a season-best time of 8:12.74, while Benjamin Kigen finished eleventh in 8:22.26.
Komen's victory in Doha highlights the depth and talent of Kenyan middle-distance runners, as they continue to dominate on the international stage.
His late surge and strategic brilliance in the final stretch of the race are a testament to his growing prowess and potential for future victories in the Diamond League series.