Kenya’s Olympic Journey: 2008 Summer Olympics

1 day  to the opening of the 2012 London Games

The 2008 Summer Olympics were held in Beijing, Republic of China showcasing a well-choreographed opening ceremony   and arguably the most successful event in recent times. Kenya fielded a team of 46 comprising of 28 men and 18 women, participating in 5 disciplines; athletics, boxing, rowing, swimming, and taekwondo.

Fuwa the '08 official mascots

Kenya produced the best performance in its Olympics history gunning a total of 14 medals (6 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze) and going up the overall medal rankings to 13^th position. 2008 will remain in history as the year Kenya first participated in the women’s 800m finals grabbing gold and silver.

In the traditional men’s 3000m steeplechase, Brimin Kipruto bagged gold leading compatriot Richard Mateelong who won bronze.

In the men’s 800m, Captain Wilfred Bungei bagged another gold leading fellow countryman Alfred Kirwa Yego who grabbed bronze.

In the women’s 800m, Pamela Jelimo won Kenya’s first ever gold in the women’s 800m leading compatriot Janet Jepkosgei Busienei (silver) in a one-two finish.

In the men’s marathon, the Late Samuel Wanjiru broke a 24-year Olympic record taking another gold for Kenya.

In the women’s 1500m, Nancy Lagat grabbed gold.

In the men’s 1500m, Asbel Kiprop won gold.

In the women’s marathon, Catherine Ndereba scooped silver.

In the women’s 3000m steeplechase, Eunice Jepkorir won silver.

In the men’s 5000m, Eliud Kipchoge won silver ahead of compatriot Edwin Cheruiyot Soi who managed bronze.

In the men’s 10000m, Micah Kogo won bronze.