Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 11, 2026

Abel Mutai

Abel Kiprop Mutai is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in the 3000 metres steeplechase.

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Aug 11, 2026
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Abel Mutai
Mutai in the lead, in 2011
Personal information
Born (1988-10-02) 2 October 1988
Height1.87 m (6 ft 1+12 in)
Weight73 kg (161 lb)
Sport
Country Kenya
SportAthletics
Event
3000m Steeplechase
Updated on 9 August 2012

Abel Kiprop Mutai (born 2 October 1988) is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specializes in the 3000 metres steeplechase.1

Life and career

He was born in Nandi. He won the gold medal at the 2005 World Youth Championships, a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, placed seventh at the 2013 World Championship and finished ninth at the 2009 World Athletics Final.1

In addition to these, he won the 2000 m steeplechase at the 2007 African Junior Championship.1 He suffered an Achilles tendon injury which kept him out of competition for all of 2010.1

His personal best times are 8:05.16 minutes in the 3000 metres, achieved in June 2006 in Lisbon; and 8:01.67 minutes in the 3000 metres steeplechase, achieved in May 2012 in Rome.1

In January 2013, a video showing fellow long-distance runner Iván Fernández gently guiding a lost Mutai towards the finish line during the Burlada Cross Country race, instead of passing him to win, went viral. Fernández was globally praised for his sportsmanship.2345

Competition record

Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  Kenya
2005 World Youth Championships Marrakesh, Morocco 1st 2000 m s'chase 5:24.69
2011 All-Africa Games Maputo, Mozambique 8th 3000 m s'chase 8:36.75
2012 African Championships Porto-Novo, Benin 1st 3000 m s'chase 8:16.05
Olympic Games London, United Kingdom 3rd 3000 m s'chase 8:19.73
References

References