Kenyan · Kapsabet, Kenya · Born 5 September 1971Kenyan middle-distance runner who dominated the 3000m steeplechase in the 1990s, becoming the first athlete to break the 8-minute barrier in the event.
Moses Kiptanui was born in Kenya in 1971 and is among the most technically gifted steeplechasers in the history of the event. He won the World Championship in the 3000m steeplechase three consecutive times — 1991, 1993 and 1995 — a record of consistency at the global level. On 16 August 1995 at the Weltklasse meeting in Zürich he became the first man to run the event in under eight minutes, clocking 7:59.18. He also held world records in the 3000m flat. His training under the Kenyan national programme of the early 1990s produced a generation of steeplechase talent, and he remained a mentor and ambassador for the event after retirement.
First man to run 3000m steeplechase under 8 minutes
He became the first human to run the steeplechase in under 8 minutes — breaking what had been considered a near-impossible barrier.
Did You Know?Lasting Impact
Revolutionary steeplechaser who dominated the event in early 1990s
Career Honours
- World Champion 3,000m Steeplechase 3x (1991 1993 1995)
- First sub-8 minute steeplechase
Kenyan Athletes