Paul Koech and Milcah Chemos earn no. 3 spots in Track & Field News' annual world rankings
The Track & Field News (Palo Alto, California) annual world rankings for the 2011 outdoor season were announced at year's end, with six Golazo-managed athletes earning top-10 honors in their respective events. Once again, the group was led by steeplechase specialists Paul Koech and Milcah Chemos.
While neither Paul Kipsiele Koech nor Milcah Chemos Cheywa were able to retain last season's status as the world's top male and female 3000m steeplechasers, respectively, Koech's No. 3 ranking for the '11 season was his fifth straight in the top-3 (with three of those at No. 1). Chemos' No. 3 ranking for '11 was her third straight in the world's top-4.
Other Golazo-managed athletes achieving Top-10 world rankings included Isaiah Kiplangat Koech (No. 4 - 5000m), Hillary Kipsang Yego (No. 5 - 3000m Steeplechase), Jacob Korir Cheshari (No. 10 - 5000m), and Josphat Bett Kipkoech (No. 10 - 10000m).
An international panel of track & field experts utilized a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 voting system to decide the rankings. The complete rankings will be published in the February-2012 issue of the magazine. The Track & Field News 2011 world rankings for events that include Golazo-managed athletes (in bold) were as follows:
Men's 3000m Steeplechase:
1. Ezekiel Kemboi (
2. Brimin Kipruto (
3. Paul Koech (
4. Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad (
5. Hillary Yego (
6. Bob Tahri (
7. Roba Gari (
8. Benjamin Kiplagat (
9. Richard Matelong (
10. Jairus Kipchoge (
Men's 5000m:
1. Mo Farah (
2. Bernard Lagat (US)
3. Imane Merga (
4. Isiah Koech (
5. Vincent Chepkok (
6. Dejen Gebremeskel (
7. Thomas Longosiwa (
8. Eliud Kipchoge (
9. Tariku Bekele (
10. Jacob Chesari (
Men's 10000m:
1. Ibrahim Jeylan (
2. Mo Farah (
3. Imane Merga (
4. Zersenay Tadese (
5. Martin Mathathi (
6. Peter Kirui (
7. Kenenisa Bekele (
8. Galen Rupp (US)
9. Paul Tanui (
10. Josphat Bett (
Women's 3000m Steeplechase:
1. Yuliya Zaripova (
2. Habiba Ghribi (
3. Milcah Chemos (
4. Mercy Njoroge (
5. Sofia Assefa (
6. 7. Hiwot Ayalew ( 8. Binnaz Uslu ( 9. Lyudmila Kuzmina ( 10. Almaz Ayana (
Kosgei breaks 2:08 marathon barrier in Valencia
November road race action by Golazo-managed international athletes saw Isaiah Kosgei provide the highlight with his marathon victory in Valencia, establishing a new personal best of 2:07:59. Other noteworthy marathon performances during November included podium finishes by Daniel Limo, Nahashon Kimaiyo, and Joash Mutai.
Isaiah Kiplagat Kosgei of Kenya (formerly Aadam Ismaeel Khamis, representing Bahrain) continues to make progress as a track runner-turned-marathon specialist, most recently demonstrated at the Divina Pastora Marathon held in Valencia on 27. November. In a down-to-the-wire finish, Kosgei prevailed in a new personal best of 2:07:59, edging fellow countrymen Nicholas Kemboi and Francis Kipkoech Bowen, with both timed in 2:08:01. The time moves Kosgei to 46th on the '11 world marathon chart, and 36th on the Kenyan season chart.
In other road action on 27. November, Golazo team newcomer Daniel Limo also produced a new personal best of 2:08:39, for 2nd place at the Marathon De La Rochelle in Serge Vigot, France. Teammate Nahashon Kimaiyo finished 3rd in 2:10:44, just off his 2:10:36 personal best achieved there in 2010. Finally, Joash Kipkoech Mutai, another Golazo newcomer, ran a personal best of 2:12:54 (3rd) in the Porto Marathon held on 6. November.
In other road action on 27. November, Golazo team newcomer Daniel Limo also produced a new personal best of 2:08:39, for 2nd place at the Marathon De La Rochelle in Serge Vigot, France. Teammate Nahashon Kimaiyo finished 3rd in 2:10:44, just off his 2:10:36 personal best achieved there in 2010. Finally, Joash Kipkoech Mutai, another Golazo newcomer, ran a personal best of 2:12:54 (3rd) in the Porto Marathon held on 6. November.
Komon and Matebo excel on European roads in October
Lenoard P. Komon continued his dominance on the roads in October with victories in Berlin (10 km) and Portsmouth (10 Miles), while Levy Matebo entered the absolute marathon elite with his sub-2:06 effort in Frankfurt. Other Golazo-managed athletes with noteworthy road performances in the past month included Edwin Kutto, Elijah Kiprono Kemboi, Paul Kiprop, Nguriatukei Kiyara, and Josphat Bett.
Two more road circuit victories in October by Leonard Patrick Komon extended his winning streak to five road races, as well as now placing him at the top of the current '11 season world charts for 10 km, 15 km, and 10 Miles. The first among the pair came at the Asics Grand 10 km in Berlin on 9. Oct, where Komon's 27:15 season best vaulted him to the top of the 10 km world chart, while the second came at the BUPA Great Southern Run 10 Miler in Portsmouth in 30. Oct (46:18). Josphat Bett also competed in Berlin, his 27:45 personal best securing 2nd place, and moving him to no. 15 on this season's world chart.
The BMW Franfurt Marathon held 30. October served as Levy Matebo's breakthrough into the event's top echelon, as his runner-up performance and personal best of 2:05:16 moved him to no. 4 on this year's marathon world chart. The mark also makes him the 14th fastest performer (and 13th fastest Kenyan) in marathon history. Matebo earlier this season served notice of his world-class potential when he in March won the Barcelona Marathon in a then PB 2:07:31, then followed up in May with a 1:12:46 at the Berlin 25 km, history's no. 6 time over that distance.
In other road action during October, marathon victories were secured by both Elijah Kiprono Kemboi in Kosice (2:11:14) and Paul Kiprop in Brussels (2:14:51), while at the Eindhoven Marathon, personal bests were set by Edwin Kutto (2:08:57, 8th) and Golazo-newcomer Nguriatukei Rael Kiyara (2:25:23, 4th).
The BMW Franfurt Marathon held 30. October served as Levy Matebo's breakthrough into the event's top echelon, as his runner-up performance and personal best of 2:05:16 moved him to no. 4 on this year's marathon world chart. The mark also makes him the 14th fastest performer (and 13th fastest Kenyan) in marathon history. Matebo earlier this season served notice of his world-class potential when he in March won the Barcelona Marathon in a then PB 2:07:31, then followed up in May with a 1:12:46 at the Berlin 25 km, history's no. 6 time over that distance.
In other road action during October, marathon victories were secured by both Elijah Kiprono Kemboi in Kosice (2:11:14) and Paul Kiprop in Brussels (2:14:51), while at the Eindhoven Marathon, personal bests were set by Edwin Kutto (2:08:57, 8th) and Golazo-newcomer Nguriatukei Rael Kiyara (2:25:23, 4th).
Chemos clinches Diamond League steeplechase points title in Brussels
Milcah Chemos secured the 2011 Samsung Diamond League points race in the 3000m Steeplecase with a 5th place finish in her specialty event at the Memorial Van Damme meeting in Brussels on 16. September. In road action in Zaandam, Leonard P. Komon fell just short of establishing a new world record over 10 Miles.
The Samsung Diamond League completed its 14th and last stop of the 2011 season in Brussels on 16. September with the 35th Belgacom Memorial Van Damme. Going into Brussels, Milcah Chemos Cheywa had established an uncatchable points-leading margin in the Diamond League steeplechase competition, and playing it safe, she finished in 5th place with a time of 9:21.41. The final points standings saw Chemos' 20 points comfortably ahead of 2nd placer Sofia Assefa's 10 points. Also competing in Brussels were Albert Rop in the 5000m (6th in 13:03.70 personal best), Purity Cherotich Kirui in the 3000m SC (10th in 9:42.84), and Josphat Bett in the 10000m (11th, 27:57.60).
Additional noteworthy 3000m steeplechase performances to close out the track season included Hillary Yego winning (8:12.81) and Haron Lagat placing 3rd (8:15.80 personal best) in Zagreb on 13. September, as well as Bernard Mbugua's victory (8:12.27) in Dubnica nad Vahom on 15. September.
Finally, in road action in Zaandam on 18. September, Leonard Patrick Komon was just seconds short of setting his third road world record in the past 12 months. His winning time of 44:27 in the Dam to Damloop 10 Miles missed Haile Gebrselassie's world record for the distance by 4 seconds. Komon's official 15 km split of 41:26 in Zandaam is fastest in the world this season for the distance.
Additional noteworthy 3000m steeplechase performances to close out the track season included Hillary Yego winning (8:12.81) and Haron Lagat placing 3rd (8:15.80 personal best) in Zagreb on 13. September, as well as Bernard Mbugua's victory (8:12.27) in Dubnica nad Vahom on 15. September.
Finally, in road action in Zaandam on 18. September, Leonard Patrick Komon was just seconds short of setting his third road world record in the past 12 months. His winning time of 44:27 in the Dam to Damloop 10 Miles missed Haile Gebrselassie's world record for the distance by 4 seconds. Komon's official 15 km split of 41:26 in Zandaam is fastest in the world this season for the distance.
Koech clinches Diamond League steeplechase points title in Zurich
With a 2nd place finish in the 3000m Steeplechase at Zurich's Weltklasse meeting on 8. September, Paul Koech secured the 2011 Samsung Diamond League points race in the event. Three days later at the ISTAF meeting in Berlin, Koech won his specialty event in a new meeting record of 8:04.48. Other Golazo-managed international athletes competing in Zurich and Berlin included Bernard Nganga, Daniel Komen, and Hillary Yego.
Following the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, the Samsung Diamond League resumed its season on 8. September with the Weltklasse Zurich meeting, the 13th stop on this year's circuit. The Weltklasse also served as co-host of the 2011 Diamond League final round, with the other co-host being the Memorial Van Damme meeting in Brussels on 16. September.
Paul Kipsiele Koech, already the Diamond League seasonal points leader going into Zurich, captured the overall DL points race as his 2nd place (8:07.89) behind Ezekiel Kemboi, (8:07.72), gave him a season total of 17 points, edging Kemboi's total of 16 points. This was Koech's second straight Diamond League steeplechase points title, having won last year's inaugural DL steeple points race. Also competing in Zurich were steeplechaser Hillary Yego (6th in 8:20.31) and 1500m runner Daniel Kipchirchir Komen (8th, 3:36.78).
At the ISTAF meeting in Berlin on 11. September, Paul K. Koech returned to his winning ways in the 3000m SC, setting a meeting record of 8:04.48. The performance was his sixth under 8:06 this season, tying his career best from the 2004 season, and was his 52nd career sub 8:10 mark. Bernard Nganga's time of 8:05.88 in 2nd place was more than a 10-second improvement of his PB from 2010, moving him to no. 6 on this season's world steeple chart. Hillary Yego also competed in the steeplechase (5th in 8:17.23), while Daniel K. Komen's 3:32.81 in the 1500m was good for 7th place.
Finally, in other action, Golazo team newcomer and Junior athlete Albert Rop finished 5th in the 3000m at Rieti on 10. September with a personal best time of 7:35.66, the top Junior time in the world this season (15th on Sr. world chart).
Paul Kipsiele Koech, already the Diamond League seasonal points leader going into Zurich, captured the overall DL points race as his 2nd place (8:07.89) behind Ezekiel Kemboi, (8:07.72), gave him a season total of 17 points, edging Kemboi's total of 16 points. This was Koech's second straight Diamond League steeplechase points title, having won last year's inaugural DL steeple points race. Also competing in Zurich were steeplechaser Hillary Yego (6th in 8:20.31) and 1500m runner Daniel Kipchirchir Komen (8th, 3:36.78).
At the ISTAF meeting in Berlin on 11. September, Paul K. Koech returned to his winning ways in the 3000m SC, setting a meeting record of 8:04.48. The performance was his sixth under 8:06 this season, tying his career best from the 2004 season, and was his 52nd career sub 8:10 mark. Bernard Nganga's time of 8:05.88 in 2nd place was more than a 10-second improvement of his PB from 2010, moving him to no. 6 on this season's world steeple chart. Hillary Yego also competed in the steeplechase (5th in 8:17.23), while Daniel K. Komen's 3:32.81 in the 1500m was good for 7th place.
Finally, in other action, Golazo team newcomer and Junior athlete Albert Rop finished 5th in the 3000m at Rieti on 10. September with a personal best time of 7:35.66, the top Junior time in the world this season (15th on Sr. world chart).
Chemos earns bronze medal at Track & Field World Championships
Milcah Chemos's 3rd place finish in the 3000m steeplchase was the top performance among international Golazo-managed athletes competing at the IAAF World T&F Championships in South Korea. Isaiah Koech (5000m) and Daniel Komen (1500m) also competed in the championships.
Milcah Chemos Cheywa on 30. August secured her second straight world championships bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase, this time at the 13th IAAF World Track & Field Championships, held 27. August through 4. September in Daegu, South Korea. After winning her opening round heat on 27. August (9:38.54), Chemos finished 3rd in the final with a time of 9:17.16, behind champion Yuliya Zaripova (9:07.03) and Habiba Ghribi (9:11.97). It was Chemos' first defeat of the '11 outdoor season.
Isaiah Kiplangat Koech made his IAAF world championships debut on 1. September, placing 4th in his first round heat of the 5000m (13:34.54), and advancing to the final. In a tactical and slow championship race, Koech finished 4th with a time of 13:24.95, just a few steps behind champion Mo Farah (13:23.36).
Finally, after winning his first round heat of the 1500m (3:38.54), Daniel Kipchirchir Komen was not able to advance to the final round, placing 9th in his semi-final (3:37.58).
Isaiah Kiplangat Koech made his IAAF world championships debut on 1. September, placing 4th in his first round heat of the 5000m (13:34.54), and advancing to the final. In a tactical and slow championship race, Koech finished 4th with a time of 13:24.95, just a few steps behind champion Mo Farah (13:23.36).
Finally, after winning his first round heat of the 1500m (3:38.54), Daniel Kipchirchir Komen was not able to advance to the final round, placing 9th in his semi-final (3:37.58).
Koech wins again in Stockholm with 50th sub-8:10 steeple performance
Paul Koech on 29. July was victorious in the Stockholm DN Galan steeplechase for the sixth time and his 8:05.92 clocking constituted his 50th career performance under 8:10 for the event. Other Golazo-managed international athletes competing in Stockholm included Daniel Komen and Hillary Yego.
The 11th IAAF Samsung Diamond League meeting of 2011 season was held in Stockholm on 29. July, with the 1912 Olympic Stadium once again hosting the DN Galan.
Paul Kipsiele Koech made history in Stockholm in more ways than one, taking home his sixth 3000m steeplechase victory there ('04-'07, '10-'11), and his time of 8:05.92 being his 50th career sub-8:10 steeple performance (2002-2011). That listing's all-time No. 2, Bernard Barmasai, made 30 such marks between 1995 and 2001. Hillary Yego also competed in the event and finished 4th in 8:19.30. Finally, Daniel Kipchirchir Komen was among five athletes who contended for the win in a down-to-the-wire 1500m. Komen ultimately placed 4th (3:34.51) in the race won by Silas Kiplagat (3:33.94).
The remaining three meetings of the 2011 IAAF Samsung Diamond League will be held in London (5-6. Aug), Zurich (8. Sep), and Brussels (16. Sep).
Paul Kipsiele Koech made history in Stockholm in more ways than one, taking home his sixth 3000m steeplechase victory there ('04-'07, '10-'11), and his time of 8:05.92 being his 50th career sub-8:10 steeple performance (2002-2011). That listing's all-time No. 2, Bernard Barmasai, made 30 such marks between 1995 and 2001. Hillary Yego also competed in the event and finished 4th in 8:19.30. Finally, Daniel Kipchirchir Komen was among five athletes who contended for the win in a down-to-the-wire 1500m. Komen ultimately placed 4th (3:34.51) in the race won by Silas Kiplagat (3:33.94).
The remaining three meetings of the 2011 IAAF Samsung Diamond League will be held in London (5-6. Aug), Zurich (8. Sep), and Brussels (16. Sep).
Paul and Isaiah Koech establish World No. 3 performances in Monaco
Paul Koech and Isaiah Koech solidified their world-contending status in their respective specialty events at this week's IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco. David Mutinda, Hillary Yego, Josphat Bett, Daniel Komen, and Lidya Chepkurui also performed well in Monaco and elsewhere over the weekend.
The Herculis meeting held in Monaco on 22. July served as the 10th stop on this year's 14-city IAAF Samsung Diamond League circuit. Several Golazo-managed athletes played key roles in a number of world-class performances on the track of Stade Louis II.
In the 3000m Steeplechase, Paul Kipsiele Koech took over mid-race from early pacer Haron Lagat (1000m in 2:36:55), setting a world record pace through 2000m (5:15.28), before having to give up the lead on the final lap to Brimin Kipruto and Ezekeil Kemboi. Kipruto went on to win in 7:53.64 ('11 No. 1, All-Time World No. 2), missing the world record by 0.01 sec. Kemboi finished 2nd in 7:55.76 ('11 No. 2, All-Time World No. 5) and Koech was 3rd in 7:57.32 ('11 No. 3, All-Time World No. 7). Koech now owns 7 of the total of 30 sub-8:00 steeple performances ever made. Hillary Kipsang Yego placed 7th in the race with a time of 8:08.22, just off his best of 8:07.71 from Shanghai ('11 World No. 7).
In the 5000m, the early pacing was done by Vincent Rono, who passed 2000m in 5:08.35. Isaiah Kiplangat Koech never lost contact with the leaders and contended for the win down the finishing stretch, finishing 3rd in a personal best of 12:54.18 ('11 World No. 3), behind new world leader Mohammed Farah (12:53.11) and Bernard Lagat (12:53.60). Koech now has two of the top 5 performances in the 5000m this season. Josphat Bett placed 11th in a season best 13:11.29.
Finally in the 800m, David Muntinda Mutua finished 4th and broke the 1:44 barrier for the first time by the smallest of margins. His new personal best of 1:43.99 moves him to No. 6 among this season's world leaders.
In action elsewhere, Daniel Kipchirchir Komen posted a 3:32.95 for 2nd place in the 1500m at the Reunion Internacional Ciudad de Barcelona meeting on 22. July. Also in Barcelona, Lidya Chepkurui finished 2nd in the 3000m Steeplechase with a time of 9:30.73, an improvement of her personal best by over 10 seconds and advancing her to No. 11 on this season's world steeple chart.
In the 3000m Steeplechase, Paul Kipsiele Koech took over mid-race from early pacer Haron Lagat (1000m in 2:36:55), setting a world record pace through 2000m (5:15.28), before having to give up the lead on the final lap to Brimin Kipruto and Ezekeil Kemboi. Kipruto went on to win in 7:53.64 ('11 No. 1, All-Time World No. 2), missing the world record by 0.01 sec. Kemboi finished 2nd in 7:55.76 ('11 No. 2, All-Time World No. 5) and Koech was 3rd in 7:57.32 ('11 No. 3, All-Time World No. 7). Koech now owns 7 of the total of 30 sub-8:00 steeple performances ever made. Hillary Kipsang Yego placed 7th in the race with a time of 8:08.22, just off his best of 8:07.71 from Shanghai ('11 World No. 7).
In the 5000m, the early pacing was done by Vincent Rono, who passed 2000m in 5:08.35. Isaiah Kiplangat Koech never lost contact with the leaders and contended for the win down the finishing stretch, finishing 3rd in a personal best of 12:54.18 ('11 World No. 3), behind new world leader Mohammed Farah (12:53.11) and Bernard Lagat (12:53.60). Koech now has two of the top 5 performances in the 5000m this season. Josphat Bett placed 11th in a season best 13:11.29.
Finally in the 800m, David Muntinda Mutua finished 4th and broke the 1:44 barrier for the first time by the smallest of margins. His new personal best of 1:43.99 moves him to No. 6 among this season's world leaders.
In action elsewhere, Daniel Kipchirchir Komen posted a 3:32.95 for 2nd place in the 1500m at the Reunion Internacional Ciudad de Barcelona meeting on 22. July. Also in Barcelona, Lidya Chepkurui finished 2nd in the 3000m Steeplechase with a time of 9:30.73, an improvement of her personal best by over 10 seconds and advancing her to No. 11 on this season's world steeple chart.
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