Home > Sports > Athletics > Reuters > Report

Shaheen wins steeplechase for Qatar


August 27, 2003 02:00 IST
Last Updated: August 27, 2003 02:19 IST


Saif Saaeed Shaheen won the 3,000 metres steeplechase final to give Qatar their first ever World championship medal.

Born in Kenya and formerly known as Stephen Cherono, Shaheen was granted citizenship of the Gulf state earlier this month.

Saif Saaeed ShaheenHe held off his former Kenyan team mate Ezekiel Kemboi in a sprint to the line to win in eight minutes 04.39 seconds on Tuesday.

Kemboi took the silver in 8:05.11 and Spain's Eliseo Martin was third in 8:09.09.

Defending champion Reuben Kosgei of Kenya dropped out of the race with 3-1/2 laps to go.

Shaheen's elder brother Abraham Cherono, running for Kenya, was fifth.

Shaheen's victory took the title away from Kenya, who had won it at the last six.

Photograph: Getty Images


Article Tools

Email this Article

Printer-Friendly Format

Letter to the Editor







© Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.


World Athletics Championships 2003: The Complete Coverage






Copyright © 2003 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.