A 5000 metre bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics represents the career pinnacle for Edwin Cheruiyot Soi, a long-distance runner from Kericho. Specializing in the 3000 and 5000 metre events, he established himself as a dominant presence on the international track circuit and the European road racing circuit throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Early Career and International Debut
Born on 3 March 1986, Soi initiated his professional trajectory with a series of competitions in Spain in 2004, including victories at the Cursa Bombers 10K in Barcelona and a race in Madrid. His international representation for Kenya commenced in 2006. At the IAAF World Cross Country Championships that year, he finished eighth, contributing to a team gold medal alongside teammates Isaac Kiprono Songok, Benjamin Limo, and Augustine Kiprono Choge.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Success on the Circuit
The 2006 season solidified his reputation in track athletics. He secured silver medals at the IAAF World Athletics Final, trailing Kenenisa and Tariku Bekele. By 2007, he achieved a milestone by becoming the first Kenyan to win both the 3000 and 5000 metre events at the IAAF World Athletics Final. His road racing prowess was equally notable, featuring three consecutive wins at the BOclassic, Memorial Peppe Greco, and Giro Media Blenio, alongside four straight victories at the Giro al Sas.
Major Championships and Olympic Campaigns
Following his Olympic bronze in 2008, Soi faced fluctuating results at major global championships. He became the continental champion in the 5000 metres at the 2010 African Championships in Athletics. In 2012, he claimed a 3000 metre bronze at the IAAF World Indoor Championships. Although he represented Kenya at the 2012 London Olympics, he did not advance to the 5000 metre final. His 2013 season included a victory over Mo Farah at the Prefontaine Classic and a career-best 5000 metre time of 12:51.34 at the Herculis meeting.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 March 1986, Kericho, Kenya
- Primary Events: 3000 metres, 5000 metres
- 2008 Beijing Olympics: 5000 metre bronze medallist
- 2010 African Championships: 5000 metre gold medallist
- 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships: 3000 metre bronze medallist
- Personal best 10K: 27:46 minutes
- Personal best 5000m: 12:51.34 minutes
- Personal best 3000m: 7:27.55 minutes
Questions readers ask
How many times did Edwin Soi compete in the Olympics?
He was a two-time Olympian for Kenya, competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
What is his personal best for the 5000 metres?
He ran his personal best of 12:51.34 minutes at the Herculis meeting in 2013.
.jpg)