Ezekiel Kemboi stripped of his Olympic medal

In his last ever competitive race Ezekiel Kemboi has lost his bronze medal in an unexpected turn of events.

Two-time Olympic 3000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi has had his bronze medal taken away from him following an appeal from the French Olympic team.

The Kenyan athlete finished third at the Olympic Games in Rio behind compatriot Conseslus Kipruto and America’s Evan Jager. Kemboi was originally awarded the medal, however, officials have now confirmed that he has been disqualified from the race for a lane infringement following an appeal from the French team.

In a ruling by the International Amateur Athletic Association (IAAF), Kemboi has been sanctioned for a ‘infringement of the inside border.’

The decision comes hours after he announced his retirement from the sport. Shortly after his race in Rio, the 34-year-old confirmed that he will leave the sport after winning two Olympic and four world championship titles. Between 2009-2015 Kemboi was undefeated in world championship finals.

“The Rio steeplechase was my last race from track after 18 years long career. I want to thank my family, my fans and the government of Kenya for all the support,” the 34-year-old said.

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Kemboi’s dramatic announcement was one that didn’t surprise new champion Kipruto, who has continued his country’s tradition of winning every men’s Olympic steeplechase since 1984.

“I knew Kemboi was going to retire as he told me that this was his last Olympics and he wanted to try really hard to win an Olympic title, but that was never to be,” Kipruto said about his teammate.

The bronze medal has now been awarded to France’s Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad, who takes home his third consecutive Olympic medal in the event.