Kiprop won the men’s 1,500-meter race Saturday to give Kenya its first gold medal in the event and sixth overall at this year’s worlds.
“Everybody is happy with this win, the first ever in the 1,500 at the championships,” Kiprop said. “I am sure we will get a reception at the State House when we return.”
Kiprop won in 3 minutes, 35.69 seconds, beating teammate Silas Kiplagat, who finished in 3:35.92. Matthew Centrowitz of the United States took the bronze medal in 3:36.08.
Kiprop, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist, pulled ahead of Kiplagat over the last lap and finished with a strong sprint. Kiplagat, the fastest man this year, briefly led Kiprop on the last lap but had to settle for silver.
“I look a little disappointed because the man who got the gold is the man I usually beat,” Kiplagat said. “I lost to a colleague of mine who I beat all season. Today, he beat me. He started his final sprint earlier than I expected.”
Kiprop’s win was the latest in what is turning out to be a dominating performance for Kenya’s distance runners.
Vivian Cheruiyot became only the second woman in the history of the world championships to complete a long-distance double on Friday by winning the women’s 5,000, adding to her gold medal from the 10,000 on the opening day.
Cheruiyot led a Kenyan 1-2-3 in the 10,000 to follow up a sweep in the women’s marathon earlier in the day.
In addition to the six medals Kenya won on the opening day, David Rudisha won the 800 on Tuesday and Ezekiel Kemboi took the men’s steeplechase on Thursday.
Kenya will also have a chance for more medals in the men’s 5,000 and marathon on Sunday, when defending champion Abel Kirui will be joined by teammates Vincent Kipruto and Benjamin Kiptoo.
Centrowitz, meanwhile, surprised even himself with the bronze medal.
“If someone told me before the competition that I would win bronze I would tell them he was joking,” Centrowitz said. “I still feel like I am dreaming.”