Kiprop had initially finished runner up to Rashid Ramzi of Bahrain but was elevated to winner the following year after his rival was confirmed as having failed a doping test after the race.

Ramzi was found guilty of the offence after his sample revealed traces of CERA (Continuous Erythropoiesis Receptor Activator) a banned blood-boosting substance very similar to erythropoietin (EPO), and he was stripped of the title as well as being given a two-year ban.

Kiprop, who added the IAAF World Championships 1500m title to his name in Daegu this summer, was presented with his award by legendary fellow countryman Kip Keino, the 1968 Olympic 1500m champion and the man considered the godfather of Kenyan running. 

Adding to the sense of occasion the Kenyan flag was hoisted by Robert Ouko, a member of the Kenyan squad that won the 4x400m gold medal at the Munich Olympics in 1972, where Keino also claimed victory in the 3,000m steeplechase and silver in the 1500m. 

Also present at the occasion were Tegla Loroupe, the former world marathon record holder, and Isaiah Kiplagat, the chairman of Athletics Kenya and a member of the International Association of Athletics Federation's ruling Council.

Kiprop was accompanied to the occasion by his wife, Sammary Cherotich, the 2007 World Youth 1500m champion.


"I never thought it would be a big ceremony whereby the national anthem would be sang since I would have been in a track suit," said Kiprop, pictured above crossing the line second to Ramzi in Beijing. 

"I'm so excited having stood today in a suit, something that is not likely to happen to many people.

"It means even in 100 years or 30 when Kenya plans to host the Olympics, I will remain the first one to be sang the national anthem to receive gold [in Nairobi].

"It is a great honour for me to be given the medal by a person who we all look up to.

"This motivates me even more to go to the London Olympics and win."

The only man to win two consecutive Olympic 1500m titles is Sebastian Coe, now the chairman of London 2012.

"I want to assure you only a mistake on the track will stop me from winning in London," said Kiprop.

"I want to be among the legends to win two successive Olympics medals."

Kiprop also received a gift of Sh250,000 (£1,781/$2,793/€2,089) and a Blackberry mobile phone from communications service provider, Safaricom who sponsored the event.

The cash award was to top up the Sh500, 000 (£3,562/$5,556/€,178) he received as a silver medallist from Safaricom, who had pledged Sh750,000 (£5,343/$8,333/€6,268) for every winner in Beijing.

Kenya's Sports Minister, Dr. Paul Otuoma, also pledged to up the Government's award for the Beijing winner by a similar amount having paid Kiprop Sh500,000 (£3,562/$5,556/€4,178) in 2008.

Kiprop was not the only Kenyan to receive a medal.

There was also a presentation for boxer Nick Oluoch, who was promoted to the position of bronze medallist in the bantamweight at last year's Commonwealth Games in Delhi after the Sri Lankan winner Manju Wanniarachchi was discqualified following a positive test for anabolic steroids.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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