Kenya´s Wilfred Bungei wins Olympic men´s 800m gold

Source: Xinhua | 08-23-2008 20:03

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Wilfred Bungei stormed to the men's 800 meters title to win his country's third gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Wilfred Bungei of Kenya celebrates after the men's 800m final at  the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during  Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23, 2008.  Wilfred Bungei won the title with 1:44.65.(Xinhua Photo)

Bungei won the gold in one minute 44.65 seconds after a brilliant surge of speed in the final laps. He was followed by Ismail Ahmed Ismail of Sudan, who finished the race at 1:44.70. The bronze medal went to another Kenyan Alfred Kirwa Yego with 1:44.82.

Bungei, who only finished fifth in Athens Games four years ago, had been in the leading pack for the whole race, he met a strong challenge from Ismail but managed his leading position.

Ismail and Yego broke clear in the closing stages but Wilfred ensured himself of the gold medal when he sprinted away in the final straight.

Kenya had won two gold at the Games as Pamela Jelimo was crowned in women's 800 meters and Brimin Kiprop Kipruto took the men's 3,000 meters steeplechase title.

Wilfred Bungei（2246）of Kenya crosses the finish line during the  men's 800m final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's  Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 23,  2008. Wilfred Bungei won the title with 1:44.65. (Xinhua Photo)

Editor:Chen Ge