Elijah Manangoi celebrates as he crosses the line to win the men's 1500m final at London 2017 World Championships. Photo Credit: iaaf.org/ Getty Images

Elijah Manangoi and Timothy Cheruiyot made it a Kenyan 1-2 finish to take GOLD and Silver respectively in the men’s 1500m at the London World Championships.

It was never in doubt that Kenya would win this event, especially as they have been dominant in it. What was in doubt was if it was going to be a 1-2-3 for the East Africans.

Manangoi, who won Silver two years ago in Beijing, showed he was determined to go one better, peeling away from his compatriot Cheruiyot to race to victory in a time of 3:33.61. Cheruiyot secured Silver crossing the line in 3:33.99, while Norway’s Filip Ingebrigtsen was going to pipped at the line as he dived across the line to get the Bronze in 3:34.53.

However, for defending champion Asbel Kiprop who looked as though he would have challenged for a medal, it was a Championship to forget as he finished 9th with a time 3:37.24.

Manangoi would be delighted with the step up he has made from two years ago, now joining his brother also as a World Champion, with the younger Manangoi winning the Boys’ 1500m in Kasarani last month at the World Youth Championships.

On finally being a world champion Manangoi said: “It was just such a good race and I’m so pleased to be a world champion. I had a difficult race as Timothy (Cheruiyot) raced very well but I had that extra strength.

“We have had very good champions in the event over the years so it is a proud moment for me to win this title for my country.

“I knew I was in pretty good form and thought I could make the podium but to win this gold is wonderful” Managoi added.

Cheruiyot who got the Silver said: “I am happy we [Kenyan athletes] prepared well for this. Me and Elijah [Manangoi] train together and he is my friend, so I am happy for him to win gold and for me to win silver.

“I was happy when the noise came from the crowd. I tried to respond to that,” Cheruiyot added.

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Athletics coverage was a discovery, having to move away from regularly writing about Football. Although it was initially daunting, but now being an authority in it makes the past effort worthwhile. From travelling on the same international flight with Nigerian athletes, to knowing you could easily interview: World Record holder Tobi Amusan, then Ese Brume, I have cut my teeth in this beat earning the trust of Athletics sources. Formerly the Content Manager-Sports at Ringier media Nigeria, Chris is a Senior Sports writer, Photographer & Community manager at Making of Champions.

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