Bernard Lagat. [Photo/IAAF]
Memories of Kenyan-born Bahraini Ruth Jebet denying Hyvin Kiyen a 3,000m steeplechase gold in the Rio Olympics are still fresh in the memories of many.
Bernard Lagat (USA)
Born in Kapsabet, Nandi County 41 years ago, Lagat had an extensive competitive career for Kenya winning Olympic silver and bronze as well as gold in the Africa and World Indoor Championships before he switched allegiance to the United States in 2005. He has gone on to win multiple titles for his adopted nation.
Lornah Kiplagat (Netherlands)
A Dutch long-distance runner, Lornah Kiplagat was born in Kabiemit in the former Rift Valley Province of Kenya and went to the Netherlands in 1999. She gained Dutch citizenship in 2003 and has competed for the Netherlands since then running not only road events but also cross-country and track and field.
Wilson Kipketer (Denmark)
Wilson Kosgei Kipketer, 43, is a Kenyan-born Danish former middle distance runner. Until 2012, he held the Indoor world record at the 800 meters distance.
John Koech (Bahrain)
Another one who got away, Koech specializes in the 3,000m steeplechase and was the winner of the event at the 2015 Asian Athletics Championships. His elder brother Isiah Kiplagata Koech popularly known as “chairman” is an Olympic Kenyan long-distance runner. The 21-year-old switched his international eligibility to Bahrain in September 2013.