Kenya to extend steeplechase dominance: Kipruto

Reigning Olympic 3,000 metres steeplechase champion Brimin Kipruto has predicted Kenya's winning streak in the race is set to continue in the London Olympics, having dominated the event since 1984. The team includes former Olympic and two-time world champion Ezekiel Kemboi, who has been allowed to compete in London despite pending court assault charges, and newcomer Abel Mutai, who won the African title in Benin last month. Kipruto, who owns the second fastest ever steeplechase time in the world, believes Kemboi, who beat him to the silver in the 2004 Athens Olympics, had overcome his tribulations and was focused with training for the games. "We have a very strong team. We are all supporting each other in the team preparations with the sole purpose of doing well at the London Olympics," said Kipruto, at the team's training base at the Moi International Sports Centre, 14 kilometres north of Nairobi. "The training is going on well. Our coaches have devised different methods of training to give us more confidence and mental stamina," he added. Kenya will also be defending the men's and women's 800m and 1500m titles at the London Olympics, which get under way on July 27.