Ezekiel Kemboi joins greats with 3,000m steeple title
Extrovert Kenyan wins his third steeplechase title to add to his two Olympic gold medals
Ezekiel Kemboi laid claim to being the greatest steeplechaser of all time as the extrovert Kenyan won a record-equalling third 3000 metres steeplechase world title at the world championships.
The twice Olympic champion, 31, equalled Moses Kiptanui's record as he coasted to victory.
"It's good to be the king," Kemboi said. He also has three world silvers and could well win a record fourth in two years.
The hopes of the Dominican Republic's 400m hurdling great Felix Sanchez of becoming the first man to win three golds in the event are in tatters after he failed to make an impact in the final.
Now 35, the two-time Olympic champion didn't sound like a man confident he could line-up in Beijing in 2015, even with his deep reserves of self-belief.
"I don't know," he said. "I need to think about it. There's still two long years ahead."
Despite the final being packed with veterans it was Jehue Gordon, 21, who won gold in a thrilling finish, American Michael Tinsley having to add this silver to his Olympic one.