Background
He was born in Transport Nzoia.
He was born in Transport Nzoia.
Specializing in the 3000 and 5000 metres, his personal best times are 7:28.28 minutes and 12:54.58 minutes respectively. He is the current holder of the Asian indoor record over 5000 m which he broke in Düsseldorf in February 2009. His first senior medal came at the 2004 IAAF World Athletics Final, where he took the 3000 m silver.
He transferred to represent Qatar following this and was very successful in Asian competitions, winning at the 2005 Asian Athletics Championships and the 2006 Asian Games.
He represented Qatar at the Olympics for the first time with an appearance at the 2008 Beijing Games – he finished eighth in the 5000 m. He improved at the next major competition, taking the bronze medal at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics.
He is from Kaptama in Mount Elgon District. Prominent runner Edith Masai is from the same area.