Kenyan · Nairobi, Kenya · Born 12 December 1972800m world record holder for nearly 13 years.
Wilson Kosgei Kipketer was born on 12 December 1972 in Kapchemoiywo, Nandi County, Kenya, into the Nandi tribe, a subgroup of the Kalenjin people, and was first noticed as a teenager by double Olympic champion Kip Keino. Kipketer moved to Denmark to further his athletics career and eventually competed under the Danish flag, developing into one of the most dominant 800m runners in history, remaining undefeated for a three-year period during his prime. Kipketer set the world record in the 800m three times within the same year in 1997, and his personal best of 1:41.11 remains tied with Emmanuel Wanyonyi as the second-fastest time ever recorded, behind only David Rudisha. Kipketer held the short track world indoor record in the 800m from 1997 until 2026, an extraordinary span of nearly three decades, and remains one of only a handful of runners in history to have run eight of the fastest 17 times ever recorded over the distance.
Middle Distance (800m)
How They Played
Tactical runner with exceptional finishing kick and race intelligence
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest 800m runners in history, held world record for 13 years
Career Honours
- World champ 800m 1995,1997,1999
- 2000 Olympic silver
- 2004 Olympic bronze
- European champ 800m 2002
Kenyan Athletes