Marathon World Record holder Eliud Kipchoge shocked the world in 2003 when he outclassed favourites to win 5,000 metres World Championship in France.
The 2003 World Championships produced a classic race that introduced Kipchoge to the world as a senior athlete.
Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele was one of the budding names aged 21. However, the favorite was Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj. Then 28-year-old El Guerrouj was the world record holder in the 1,500 race.
The Moroccan was an icon only losing twice between 1996 and 2002. He was an established star and his only predictable challenger was the future star, Kenenisa Bekele.
Kipchoge was then a junior name with few believing he could win despite setting the world junior record for 5,000 meters.
Kenyans who were expected to pull a surprise were then 23-year-old Abraham Chebii and defending champion Richard Limo.
When the last lap was at hand, experienced Hicham El Guerrouj and promising Kenenisa Bekele started controlling the race. Behind them were Kenyans Kipchoge, Chebii, John Kibowen and Limo, the defending champion.
Kipchoge won the race in a championship record of 12:52.79. He floored El Guerrouj with 0.04. Bekele claimed the third position by running 12:53.12.
Other Kenyans missed medals.
Watch the race here.