Former 3000 metres steeplechase star Jairus Kipchoge Birech.Kenya is mourning the death of former 3000 metres steeplechase star Jairus Kipchoge Birech, who passed away on Thursday night after an illness.
Birech, born on 14 December 1992, was one of the country’s most decorated athletes in the steeplechase.
He was the 2014 Diamond League Final winner, a 10-time Diamond League series winner, African champion, Commonwealth and World U20 silver medallist, World Cup champion, and national champion.
Despite his reputation as a steeplechase specialist, Birech also ventured into road races.
In 2019, he competed in the Milan Half Marathon, clocking an impressive personal best time of 1:00:33.
The following year, he posted season’s best times of 28:43 in the 10km road race and 1:05:45 in the half-marathon.
Birech’s personal best of 7:41.83 for the 3000 metres steeplechase, set on 10 May 2013, places him among the top ten performers of all time.
He also set a lifetime best of 8:06.72 at the Doha Diamond League in 2012 and claimed victory at the prestigious Cross Internacional de Itálica in January 2013 before going on to secure gold at the African Championships in Athletics that same year.
He first announced himself on the international stage in 2011 when he won silver at the African Junior Athletics Championships.
Tributes poured in following the news of his passing. Kesses MP Julius Rutto was among those who paid homage, describing Birech as a source of national pride.
“Deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our 3000m steeplechase star, Jairus Kipchoge Birech. His discipline, dedication, and brilliance on the track brought immense pride to our nation. We celebrate his legacy and pray for comfort to his family and the athletics fraternity. May he rest in peace,” Rutto said.
