Medal Count 2016 Olympics: Wednesday Results, Standings and Latest Reaction
Conseslus Kipruto was the early star of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday, as he romped to gold in the 3,000-metre steeplechase in record time.
The 21-year-old Kenyan showed remarkable endurance to surge away from his rivals on the final lap and was celebrating his victory before clearing the final barrier. Despite slowing down to take in the moment, Kipruto posted eight minutes, 3.28 seconds, the fastest time in Olympic history.
France enjoyed early success, too, as they won gold ahead of the United States in the team jumping event.
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Here’s a look at how some of the day’s earlier events panned out, the live medals table and what else is to come later in the day.
Kipruto Coasts to Gold
| Men's 3,000m Steeplechase | Conseslus Kipruto (KEN) 8:03.28 | Evan Jager (USA) 8:04.28 | Ezekiel Kemboi (KEN) 8:08.47 |
| Jumping Team | France, 3 | United States, 5 |
While the gap between Kipruto and silver medalist Evan Jager was only one second, as soon as the Kenyan made his move on the final lap, the result was never in doubt.
Indeed, he left Jager in his dust after a surge of speed as the runners raced for home. With one barrier to go, Kipruto was pointing to the fans, waving and soaking up the moment, while the American was able to hold off Kenya's Ezekiel Kemboi to take silver.
It was an incredible performance from the youngster, who came into these Games on the back of a brilliant season. The Kenyan Facts Twitter feed is expecting Kipruto to go on and enjoy even more success in the future:
In the equestrian, it was France who produced the most consistent runs, as they did enough to beat the United States. Penelope Leprevost, Kevin Staut, Roger-Yves Bost and Philippe Rozier made up the champion quartet, while Germany dramatically got the better of Canada in a jump-off for the bronze medal.
Wednesday Preview
One of the most exciting events in the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday will be the women’s long jump final, with Brittney Reese going for gold for the United States.
Reese has been dominant in this event when it comes to major championships. The 29-year-old is the reigning Olympic champion and also a three-time winner in the world championships. So while she didn’t produce her longest distance in the heats, Reese is a competitor who always saves her best for the biggest moments.
Indeed, as she noted on Twitter, it took just one jump to make it into the final, as 6.78 metres was enough for automatic qualification:
There were some impressive efforts in the preliminary rounds, though. Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic and Germany's Malaika Mihambo of Germany leaped 6.87 metres and 6.82 metres, respectively. However, having set a personal best of 7.31 metres just last month, this is Reese’s event to lose.
One of the most atmospheric events of the day will come in the final of women’s beach volleyball, with the Brazilian pair of Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas going for gold on home soil.
Standing in their way of Olympic glory are Germany's Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst, who eliminated another Brazilian team on their way to the final.
At the Olympic Stadium, a big performance is expected of Dafne Schippers, who is the favourite for victory in the women's 200-metre final. The Dutchwoman qualified at a canter and is set to stride to gold with her elegant running style.
The battle for gold over the shorter hurdles distance will unfold, too, with a much tighter race in store. There'll be a quick turnaround for the competitors between the semi-finals and the final on Wednesday, although that's unlikely to deter the United States' Brianna Rollins, who has run an impressive 12.34 this season and is expected to run fast again on Wednesday evening.
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