Paris 2024: Kiptanui says Kenya should rethink 3000m steeplechase strategy

One of the country’s most decorated 3,000m steeplechase legends has said the country should rethink its strategy.

Former 3,000m steeplechase world record holder Moses Kiptanui believes the country can reclaim its glory in the water and barrier race.

He says he feels ‘mad’ when he sees the country losing its stranglehold on the men’s steeplechase.

Kiptanui, who is currently a business man in Eldoret, smashed the 3,000m World Record two times in 1992 and 1995 respectively. He was the first man to dip under eight minutes in the distance before Wilson Boit and Bernard Barmasai took the baton.

“Our women are still trying their best in 3,000m steeplechase despite the fact that there are many untapped talents out there. When I see the country losing its grip in 3,000m steeplechase, especially in the men’s category, I feel mad because we have the potential to do better,” the three-time world champion says.

The Olympic silver medallist says structures to identify steeplechase talent from Primary school to tertiary institutions should be in place.

He argues that starting from schools will sustain talent identification and nurturing.

According to Kiptanui, County Governments were not doing enough to support athletics.

“It is a question of leadership. There has to be goodwill. Counties should budget for athletics. Resources are allocated for other sports disciplines and athletics, in most cases, get zero during budgeting yet athletics bring millions in foreign currencies,” he says.

The retired athlete says steeplechase runners from other countries have mastered and perfected the tactics that Kenyan stars used to deliver mouthwatering wins.

He says more steeplechase legends should be brought on board to help prepare teams for top global contests such as the Olympic Games and World Championships.

“We did well in 3,000m steeplechase but as it is there is more to be done. We got stuck in our old tactics. Those of us who were successful in 3,000m steeplechase have not been asked to come forward and prepare the national teams for international championships,” says Kiptanui.

He goes on to say: “Athletes from neighboring countries are training together with their Kenyan counterparts but go ahead to defeat our team. We need to find ways of bringing back the steeplechase glory.

“Many of our track athletes are trooping to road racing because of the hefty prizes, forgetting that they only run marathons two times in a year.”

Kiptanui says athletes can still earn substantial amounts in prizes on the track than in road racing, if more corporate sponsors support local competitions.

“During our prime, we had many more track competitions but today it is only road races. When we are running for good causes such as environmental conservation or peace, we only do the road races. Why can’t we have annual track races sponsored by our corporates?” he asks.

He says the country’s athletes have demonstrated ability to shine in sprints such as 100m, but opportunities to compete and win prizes locally were still few.

“Technology has improved. Today, you do not need a pacemaker on the track. You compete with the flash light, if you are ahead; you know it is a world record,” he told Standard Sports in an interview.

About the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics, Kiptanui says he is skeptical on whether the country will bag a gold medal in the 3,000m steeplechase.

He is however optimistic that the Sh5 million reward for breaking world records was likely to motivate more talent and improved performance including among steeplechasers.

“I am predicting five or six gold medals. Women are likely to deliver three medals and two medals from the men. All the medals will come from athletics. We used to perform well in boxing but training facilities are no longer as better as they were during the old days,” the legend says, based on his observation.