Discover the forgotten legacy of Abraham Cherono, the Kenyan steeplechase star who helped shape the careers of legends like Ezekiel Kemboi and his brother, Stephen Cherono (Saif Saaeed Shaheen).
When discussing Kenya’s dominance in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, names like Ezekiel Kemboi and Brimin Kipruto frequently dominate the conversation.
However, behind these celebrated champions lies a generation of athletes who laid the groundwork for Kenya’s continued success.
One such unsung hero is Abraham Cherono, an immensely talented steeplechaser whose influence helped shape the careers of future stars, including his younger brother Stephen Cherono, who later became Saif Saaeed Shaheen.
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Kenyan’s gold medalist Stephen Cherono (C), silver medalist Ezekiel Kemboi (L) and bronze medalist Abraham Cherono pose on the podium after the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games men’s 3000 steeplechase final 27 July 2002. AFP PHOTO DAMIEN MEYER
Though his achievements may not be as widely recognised, Cherono’s contributions to Kenya’s steeplechase legacy remain undeniable.
Abraham Cherono: The forgotten steeplechase star who helped pave the way for Ezekiel Kemboi & brother Stephen
The rise of Abraham Cherono
Born in 1980 in Kenya’s famed running highlands, Abraham Cherono emerged as a promising distance runner in the late 1990s.
With an innate ability to tackle barriers with precision and maintain endurance over grueling distances, Cherono quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the steeplechase discipline.
His performances in international competitions cemented his place among Kenya’s elite, even as he competed in an era teeming with steeplechase talent.
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Kenyan’s Stephen Cherono (C), Ezekiel Kemboi (R) and Abraham Cherono (L) lead the race during the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games 3000 steeplechase final 27 July 2002. AFP PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS
One of Cherono’s standout moments came at the 2003 World Championships in Paris, where he finished fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Though he narrowly missed out on a podium finish, his performance demonstrated Kenya’s depth in the event and reinforced the country’s global dominance in the discipline.
His ability to compete among the world’s best during this period highlights his significance in Kenya’s storied steeplechase history.
Abraham Cherono & brother Stephen’s controversial Qatar switch
He was part of a transitional generation that bridged the gap between the steeplechase greats of the 1990s and the superstars who followed.
His dedication and resilience served as an inspiration for upcoming athletes, particularly his younger brother, Stephen Cherono.
Stephen initially followed in Abraham’s footsteps, showcasing exceptional talent in the steeplechase. However, in a controversial move, he switched his allegiance to Qatar in 2003, adopting the name Saif Saaeed Shaheen.
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Kenyan’s Stephen Cherono (R), Ezekiel Kemboi (C) and Abraham Cherono celebrate the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games 3000 steeplechase final 27 July 2002. AFP PHOTO DAMIEN MEYER
Shaheen’s defection sparked intense debate in Kenyan athletics, as he went on to break the then steeplechase world record in 2004 while competing for Qatar, crossing the line in Brussels in 7:53.63..
Despite the shift in national representation, Shaheen’s foundation in the event was undoubtedly influenced by his older brother’s guidance and mentorship.
Abraham played a key role in shaping Stephen’s early career, making him a crucial figure in his sibling’s eventual rise to global stardom.
Abraham Cherono’s influence in shaping the next generation of steeplechasers like Ezekiel Kemboi
Abraham Cherono’s influence was not limited to his brother—his career overlapped with another budding steeplechase talent, Ezekiel Kemboi.
Kemboi, who would go on to become one of the most decorated steeplechasers of all time, benefited from competing in an environment filled with high-caliber athletes like Cherono.
The rigorous competition within the Kenyan ranks pushed each runner to excel, and Cherono’s presence in the steeplechase scene contributed to this culture of excellence.
Ezekiel Kemboi’s career took off in the mid-2000s, as he clinched Olympic gold in 2004 and 2012, along with multiple World Championship titles. The Kenyan steeplechase legacy was further carried forward by Brimin Kipruto, who won Olympic gold in 2008 and continued to add to Kenya’s medal tally in global competitions.
These athletes built on the foundation laid by runners like Cherono, demonstrating the importance of each generation in sustaining Kenya’s reputation as a steeplechase powerhouse.
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Kenya’s Ezekiel [1700] gestures to compatriot Abraham Cherono [1715] as they are followed closely by Richard Mateelong [1760] on July 30 2010 . SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images)
Abraham Cherono’s legacy
Despite not claiming major global titles, Abraham Cherono’s contributions to the sport remain significant. His presence in the highly competitive Kenyan steeplechase squad of the early 2000s ensured that future champions had the necessary challenge and support to thrive.
By pushing the boundaries of the event and maintaining Kenya’s depth in the discipline, Cherono helped sustain the country’s dominance in the steeplechase.
Moreover, his role in mentoring and inspiring athletes like his brother and the likes of Kemboi is a testament to his importance.
Though he may not have garnered the same recognition as the champions who followed him, Cherono’s story is a crucial part of Kenya’s steeplechase narrative.
Lessons from Abraham Cherono’s career
Abraham Cherono’s career is a reminder that success in athletics is not just about individual medals—it’s about the contributions that shape an entire sport.
Kenya’s steeplechase dynasty was not built solely by the names we frequently celebrate but also by the dedication and hard work of lesser-known athletes like Cherono.
His influence in mentoring his younger brother, his role in keeping Kenyan steeplechase competitive, and his impact on athletes who followed all cement his place in the sport’s history.
As we continue to witness Kenya’s dominance in the steeplechase, it is essential to honor figures like Abraham Cherono. His journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the enduring impact of those who help pave the way for future champions.
While the spotlight often shines on gold medalists, the sport owes much to the unsung heroes who set the stage for greatness. Cherono’s story deserves recognition as an integral chapter in Kenya’s incredible steeplechase legacy.
