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Chepkoech finished first but paused her celebrations at the finish line
Jackline Chepkoech displayed a rare act of sportsmanship as she grabbed the second gold for Kenya at the commonwealth games in Birmingham
The teenager who beat her rivals to win the 3000m steeplechase was in a tight race against Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda who from the first lap of the race had proved solid.
They went ahead to exchange leads in the race but Chepkoech gassed up in the second last up creating a gap between her and Chemutai. The latter hit the barrier and fell leaving Chepkoech to head for the finish line winning the race in a new championship record of 9:15:68.
The new champ however did not rush to celebrate, she stood at the finish line and waited to check on her Ugandan counterpart Chemutai who after hitting the barrier was in distress and seriously limping.
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Chepkoech only took the Kenyan flag in celebration after Chemutai received medical assistance.
“I did not know I could win; I knew Peruth is strong but I charged up and took the lead. When she fell I was not aware I only took note after finishing race,” Chepkoech said.
The 18-year-old who hails from Kuresoi in Nakuru county gave Kenya the second gold after Ferdinand Omanyala who won the 100m finals.
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Mary Moraa increased the gold count to three after winning the 800m women’s final in 1:57.07. The world champion silver medalist took charge of the race in the beginning before slowing down and eventually charging past her competitors to cross the finish line first.
The men’s 3000m steeplechase saw the Kenya gold tally in the tournament reach four after Abraham Kibiwott cliched victory in the race, his counterpart in the race bagged silver.
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