Conseslus Kipruto lauds Ethiopia's Girma for breaking world record in Paris

Two-time world 3,000m steeplechase world champion Conseslus Kipruto has joined the masses in congratulating Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma for breaking the long-standing steeplechase world record.

Girma, the Olympic silver medallist, destroyed a strong field during Friday's Diamond League Meeting in Paris to clock 7:52.11 and shatter the 18-year record of Qatar’s Saif Saaeed Shaheen which was 7:53.63.

Despite being rivals on the track, the former Olympic champion took to his Instagram page to applaud Girma for his exemplary performance.

He said: “Lamecha Girma breaks the 3,000m steeplechase world record!!! 7:52. Congratulations Girma.”

Kipruto and Girma have shared the same stage in a couple of events including the World Championships, Olympic Games, and Diamond League Meetings.

Their most recent meeting was during the World Championships in Oregon where Girma finished second while Kipruto finished third.

Meanwhile, the race saw Japan’s Ryuji Miura finish second with a national record of 8:09.91 as Spain’s Daniel Arce finished third with a time of 8:10.63.

Kenyans who were in the race did not live up to the billing as Benjamin Kigen finished sixth in 8:13.49 as Abraham Kibiwott crossed the line eighth in 8:16.13.

Former world under-20 3000m steeplechase champion Amos Serem faded to finish a disappointing 10th in 8:16.94.