A Jamaican sprinter and a Kenyan steeplechaser were the headline acts on day three of the world athletics championships in Beijing.
Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce underlined her status as Queen of the Sprints with an unprecedented third world championship 100 metres title at the Bird's Nest stadium, and Ezekiel Kemboi confirmed his staying ability by capturing the 3,000 metres steeplechase crown for a record fourth time.
The diminutive Jamaican Fraser-Pryce, with her distinctive long green braids flowing behind her, wasn't the quickest out of the blocks but soon got into her stride and powered to the tape in 10.76 seconds to add to her titles from Berlin in 2009 and Moscow two years ago.
"I will always work hard and do my best," she said. "When I ran the heats, I remembered back at the 2008 Olympic Games when I was a 21-year-old.
"I expected nothing then. And I came out here again tonight and won a gold medal. I am really excited."
33 year old Kemboi unleashed a devastating sub 57-second last-lap burst on his way to the steeplechase title he first won in 2009. He also won the 2004 and 2012 Olympic titles.
Kenya secured their first clean sweep in the event for eight years but the anticipated challenge from Evan Jager faded on the final lap as the American was unable to match the speed of the Africans and trailed home sixth.
Kemboi, who clocked eight minutes 11.28 seconds, added the title to those he won in 2009, 2011 and 2013 and to the Olympic gold he landed in 2004 and 2012.
Silver went to Conseslus Kipruto, who did much of the pacesetting and hung on to finish in 8:12.38, while Brimin Kiprop came third in 8:12.54.
Another Kenyan, 2015 world rankings leader Jairus Birech, was fourth in 8:12.62.
Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot won a thrilling last lap sprint to claim the women's 10,000 metres gold medal, capping her comeback season with her second world title in the longest track event.
The 31-year-old, who took 2014 off to have a child, hit the front with 300 metres to go and powered her way to victory in 31 minutes, 41.31 seconds to reclaim the title she won as part of a 5,000-10,000 double at the 2011 world championships in Daegu.
Colombia's Caterine Ibarguen extended her unbeaten streak to 29 finals as she retained her women's triple jump world title after dominating the event.
New Zealand's Stuart Farquhar failed to qualify for the final of the men's javelin.
