IAAF Diamond League: Getnet Wale Breaks Kenya’s Domination in Steeplechase

Getnet Wale takes a narrow victory in Brussels to claim the Diamond Trophy in the steeplechase (Giancarlo Colombo)

Brussels, Belgium – Kenyan athletes have won every men’s steeplechase title since the start of the IAAF Diamond League in 2010, but that streak came to an end tonight as Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale timed his finish to perfection.

After an opening kilometre of 2:41.95, the pace dropped in the middle section but Wale and fellow Ethiopian Lamecha Girma kept the pace up over the final few laps. World silver medallist Soufiane El Bakkali kicked hard on the last lap and managed to pass Girma, but Wale overtook the Moroccan in the closing stages to win in 8:06.92. El Bakkali was second in 8:07.08 and Girma third in 8:07.66.

Source: IAAF.org