Ezekiel Kemboi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ezekiel Kemboi

Kemboi at the 2013 World Championships in Athletics
Personal information
Full name	Ezekiel Kemboi Yano
Nationality	Kenyan
Born	(1982-05-25) 25 May 1982 (age 43) Matira, Rift Valley Province, Kenya
Height	1.67 m (5 ft 5+1⁄2 in)
Weight	52 kilograms (115 lb)
Sport
Sport	Track & field
Event(s)	3000 metres steeplechase
Medal record Men's athletics Representing  Kenya Olympic Games Gold 2004 Athens 3000 m st. Gold 2012 London 3000 m st. World Championships Gold 2009 Berlin 3000 m st. Gold 2011 Daegu 3000 m st. Gold 2013 Moscow 3000 m st. Gold 2015 Beijing 3000 m st. Silver 2003 Paris 3000 m st. Silver 2005 Helsinki 3000 m st. Silver 2007 Osaka 3000 m st. Commonwealth Games Gold 2006 Melbourne 3000 m st. Silver 2002 Manchester 3000 m st. Silver 2010 Delhi 3000 m st. Bronze 2014 Glasgow 3000 m st.
Updated on 24 August 2015.

Ezekiel Kemboi Cheboi, born on May 25, 1982, is a famous Kenyan athlete. He is best known for being an amazing runner in the 3000 metres steeplechase event. This race involves running over hurdles and water jumps. Ezekiel has won many big competitions, including two Olympic gold medals and four World Championship gold medals. He is one of the fastest steeplechase runners ever. He is also the only athlete to win four World Championships in a row in this event.

Early Life and Start in Athletics

Ezekiel Kemboi was born in a place called Matira in Kenya. He finished high school in 1999. Unlike many athletes, he didn't start running seriously until after he left school. A talent scout named Paul Ereng noticed him. In 2001, Ezekiel won the African Junior Athletics Championships, even after falling during the race! This showed how determined he was.

Rising to Fame in Steeplechase

Early Success and Challenges

After becoming the African Junior Champion in 2001, Ezekiel continued to impress. In 2002, he earned a silver medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. He also won a bronze medal at the African Championships in Athletics that same year.

In 2003, Ezekiel faced a tough challenge at the 2003 World Championships in Athletics. He had a close race with his former teammate, Saif Saeed Shaheen, who was now running for Qatar. Shaheen won, and Ezekiel took home a silver medal. Later that year, Ezekiel won a gold medal at the Athletics at the 2003 All-Africa Games.

Olympic Gold and World Titles

Ezekiel became a top favorite for the Athens Olympics in 2004. He and two other Kenyan runners, Brimin Kipruto and Paul Kipsiele Koech, led the race. They left the other runners behind, and Ezekiel won the gold medal! It was a fantastic moment for Kenya, as they won all three medals in the event.

He continued his success, winning a silver medal at the 2005 World Championships in Athletics. In 2006, he won the 2006 Commonwealth Games. He also earned another silver medal at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics.

Later Career and More Wins

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Ezekiel finished seventh, which was not his best result. But he bounced back strongly! In 2009, he won his first gold medal at the World Championships. This was a huge achievement after winning three silver medals before. He also won a silver medal at the 2010 African Championships in Athletics.

Ezekiel kept winning gold medals at the World Championships. He won in 2011 in South Korea, 2013 in Russia, and 2015 in China. This made him the only athlete to win four World Championships in the steeplechase in a row!

In 2012, he won another Olympic gold medal at the London Olympics. He finished the race in eight minutes and 18.56 seconds.

At the Rio Olympics 2016, Ezekiel initially won a bronze medal. However, he was later disqualified because he stepped outside the track during the race. The medal was then given to another runner. After this, he tried one more time at the 2017 World Championships in Athletics, finishing 11th.

Personal Life

Ezekiel Kemboi is managed by Enrico Dionisi. He owns a large farm near Moi's Bridge in Kenya. He is married to Jane Kemboi, and they have two sons. Since 2009, his coach has been Moses Kiptanui, who is also his neighbor.

Achievements

See also

In Spanish: Ezekiel Kemboi para niños