A 7:56.81 finish in the 3000-metre steeplechase at the 2012 Doha Diamond League meeting established Richard Kipkemboi Mateelong as the eighth fastest man in the history of the event. A specialist in long-distance running, the Kenyan athlete built a career defined by consistent podium finishes at major international championships throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Early Development and Domestic Career
Born on 14 October 1983 in Lenape village, near Narok, Mateelong began his running career in 1998 while attending high school. After graduating from Moi Amalo Secondary School in 2001, he joined the Kenya Police. His transition to elite competition began in 2004 when he secured a silver medal at the African Championships following a fifth-place finish at the Kenyan Olympic trials.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Breakthroughs
During the mid-2000s, Mateelong competed regularly on the European track circuit. He participated in the IAAF World Athletics Final in 2004, 2005, and 2006, claiming silver in the latter. His performance trajectory shifted upward in 2007 when he reached the podium at the World Championships in Athletics, earning a bronze medal. By the end of that year, he had solidified his status by securing another silver medal at the World Athletics Final.
Olympic and Global Success
The 2008 season proved highly productive as Mateelong became the African steeplechase champion. Later that year, he competed at the Beijing Olympics, finishing behind Brimin Kipruto and Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad to take the bronze medal. He followed this with a silver medal in the 3000-metre steeplechase at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics, clocking a personal best of 8:00.89.
Professional Management and Training
Throughout his career, Mateelong utilized professional support structures to maintain his competitive edge. He is managed by Gianni Demadonna and receives technical advice from coach Renato Canova. Beyond the steeplechase, he has competed in various distances, recording personal bests of 3:41.79 in the 1500 metres, 7:48.71 in the 3000 metres, and 13:30.4 in the 5000 metres.
Fast facts
- Born: 14 October 1983, Lenape village, Kenya
- Sport: 3000 metre steeplechase
- Olympic Medal: Bronze, 2008 Beijing Olympics
- Personal Best (Steeplechase): 7:56.81 (2012)
- Manager: Gianni Demadonna
- Technical Advisor: Renato Canova
- Education: Moi Amalo Secondary School
Questions readers ask
Did Richard Mateelong compete in the 2012 Olympics?
No, he finished fourth at the Kenyan Olympic trials, behind Abel Mutai, and was not selected for the team.
What is his professional affiliation?
After graduating from high school in 2001, he joined the Kenya Police.