OLYMPICS: Araptany won't give up Steeplechase dream

PIC: Araptany runs to qualify for the final

Men 3000m Steeplechase final

Jacob Araptany understands that Kenyans are famed steeplechase runners, but he wants to gate-crash the party when they compete in the men's 3000m steeplechase final Wednesday evening.

The former world junior bronze medallist, who has had an on and off season, ran one of his best races in the semi-final, not caring who he was competing against as he controlled, sprinted and even managed to rest towards the end.

"It was a very good race, let us wait for the final and we will see" he said after heat three, the fastest of them all.

And though he is running against favoured Ezekiel Kemboi and the two Kiprutos, Brimin and Conseslus, Araptany believes that he has an opportunity to squeeze himself amongst the three and give Uganda its first steeplechase medal at the Olympic Games.

"I will not be chasing them, I will be running my race to see that I also fight for a podium finish," said Araptany, who is less concerned about the times posted by most of the runners that are better than his.

"This is a final and times don't matter a lot but attitude does and I will use that to push ahead for a better result," he said.