Conselus Kipruto set a new Olympic record (8:03.28) in the 3000m steeplechase in Rio, finishing ahead of sensational two-time Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi, who came in third but was later, disqualified for the bronze medal on grounds of lane infringement.

21 year old Kipruto’s, victory is the ninth straight Olympic steeple win for Kenya, which has dominated the race since 1984.

Kipruto started celebrating after the final water jump as it became apparent that he was going to be new Olympic champion.

“I’m so happy! I think the season has been good for me. I was aiming to beat Kemboi and be the Olympics champion. As you know, it has been so hard to beat Kemboi. As for the early celebration, I watched the big screen and realised I was far ahead of everyone,” Conseslus said.

KEMBOI ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Kemboi, who was donning a peculiar haircut at the Olympics, which in Kenya is associated with old age, also made a shocking revelation that he was retiring.

“I feel good after a career of 18 years and competing in my fourth Olympics. I’ve done my level best and I just want to say that today I’m officially retiring from athletics,” Kemboi told journalists after the race.

Kemboi had finished third in the race after USA’s Evan Jager but was six hours later disqualified for the bronze medal, which was awarded to Frenchman Mahiedine Mekhissi, who had come in fourth.

Jager also made history for winning  a rare medal for the United States in the race – their first since 1984.