He missed the Beijing Olympics though, after finishing fourth at the Kenyan trials.

Despite being among the fastest steeplechasers, he has failed several times at the Kenyan trials for World championships or Olympics.

He finished fourth at the Kenyan trial for the 2008 Olympics, missing the ticket to Beijing.

Kiptanui had failed to qualify at the Kenyan trials in Nairobi.

"It was tougher to win the Kenyan trials," he said.

She won Kenyan trials for the 1991 World Championships, but was considered too young to compete in Tokyo.

However, Malot failed at the Kenyan trials for the 2000 Summer Olympics.

She won Kenyan trials for the 2003 World Championships, but eventually did not compete in Paris.

She gained selection for the Kenyan team in that event by coming second at the Kenyan trials.