In a thrilling turn of events at the Doha Diamond League, newcomer Brian Komen outpaced former World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot to claim his first Diamond League victory in the men’s 1500m race.
Komen, the African Games champion, delivered a dramatic finish by surging ahead in the final 100 meters to win in a time of 3:32.43.
Timothy Cheruiyot, who has dominated this event in the past, finished a close second with a season-best time of 3:32.67, showcasing his continued prowess in middle-distance running.
World U20 champion Reynold Kipkorir also made a strong showing, completing the all-Kenyan podium with a third-place finish in 3:32.96.
Komen’s victory in Doha follows his impressive performance at the Kip Keino Classic earlier this season, where he also clocked an impressive 3:32.29, finishing second. This win in Doha solidifies his status as a rising star in track and field, hinting at a promising season ahead.
Meanwhile, in the men’s 3000m steeplechase, there was disappointment for Kenya as Commonwealth Games champion Abraham Kibiwott could not clinch the top spot, finishing second to Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu.
Firewu won the race in a world-leading time of 8:07.25, narrowly defeating Kibiwott who finished in a season-best 8:07.38. Getnet Wale of Ethiopia secured third place with a time of 8:09.69.
The men’s 1500m race, however, was the highlight of the evening, with Komen, Cheruiyot, and Kipkorir demonstrating the depth of Kenyan talent in middle-distance running. Abel Kipsang, another hopeful, finished thirteenth in the race with a season-best of 3:35.67.
Brian Komen’s remarkable win over such a seasoned athlete as Cheruiyot marks a significant moment in his career, signaling his readiness to take on the world’s best on the biggest stages.
This race not only confirms his elite status but also adds a new layer of excitement to the season’s upcoming Diamond League meetings.
