Julius Korir

Julius Korir rose onto the international athletics scene in 1982 when he surprisingly won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and silver at the African Championships in the 3,000 metres Steeplechase. Korir improved his times during the 1983 season, but finished only seventh at that year's World Championships. Korir continued to improve in 1984 and, after winning his semi-final at the Los Angeles Olympics, he established himself as a serious contender for the gold medal. In the Olympic final Korir was always with the leaders and, when he started his sprint for home with just over half a lap remaining, the rest of the field was unable to respond. Korir missed the 1985 season due to injury and, although he competed for several more years, he never again represented his country at a major international meet.

Personal Best: 3000S – 8:11.80 (1984).