Korir bags Kenya’s first Gold medal
Emmanuel Korir displayed a mouth watering performance to capture Kenya’s first gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, leading compatriot Ferguson Rotich in 1-2 finish in the men’s 800m.
Korir clocked 1:45.06 to ensure Kenya retained the winner’s crown from the two lap race and record holder David Rudisha having won in Rio five years ago.
Rotich put up a sprint in the final 50 to time 1:45.23 for silver.
Kenya has not lost in men’s 800m final in 4 consecutive Olympic games with Wilfred Bungei (2008) and David Rudisha (2012 and 2016) having won gold in the last three editions of Beijing, London and Rio respectively.
Poland’s Patryk Dobek (1:45.39) took a surprise bronze, as Australia’s Peter Bol, who had taken the initiative in the early stages of the race, winding fourth outside the medals in 1:45.92.
Botswana’s Amos Nigel, the 2012 London Olympics silver medallist and the pre-race favourite owing to his world lead, finished a disappointing eighth place in 1:46.41.
Kenya has now won more Olympics medals (5) than any other African country.
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