Thomas Longosiwa, Kenyan runner

Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa, born on January 14, 1982, is a distinguished Kenyan professional athlete renowned for his prowess in middle and long-distance running, particularly the 5000 metres event. His career highlights include competing in two Olympic Games and securing a significant bronze medal at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, cementing his legacy as an Olympic medalist for Kenya.

Longosiwa's talent was evident early on, as he claimed the title of Kenyan 5000 metres champion in 2007, showcasing his dominance on the national stage. This early success positioned him as a promising contender in the highly competitive world of international athletics.

Early Career and the Passport Controversy

Longosiwa's journey to the elite level was not without its challenges, including a notable controversy early in his career that underscored issues of integrity in sports. In 2006, he was selected to represent Kenya at the World Junior Championships in Beijing, an event specifically designed for younger, developing athletes. However, during the Kenyan training camp, a significant discrepancy emerged concerning his age. He was found to possess two Kenyan passports: one indicating his birth year as 1982, and another, more recent one, stating 1988. The latter passport would have illegally enabled him to compete in the junior category, which is restricted by age to ensure fair competition among peers and prevent more experienced, older athletes from dominating developmental stages.

This discovery led to his arrest and a fine of 1500 US Dollars. The incident also implicated a senior police official who was accused of forging the ages of Longosiwa and several other athletes, highlighting a systemic issue that has occasionally plagued athletics in some regions. Prior to this revelation in 2006, Longosiwa had already competed in the junior category of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, finishing 13th. However, he was subsequently disqualified retroactively due to the age discrepancy, a move consistent with the World Athletics (formerly IAAF) rules against age manipulation to preserve the integrity of junior competitions.

Rise on the Senior Circuit and Overcoming Adversity

Despite the early setback, Longosiwa transitioned to the senior competitive circuit in 2007, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the sport. His senior debut saw him place sixth at the 2007 All-Africa Games, a significant continental multi-sport event. He further tested his mettle by competing in both the 3000 metres and 5000 metres events at the 2007 IAAF World Athletics Final, showcasing his versatility across middle and long distances.

His consistent performance earned him selection for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, where he reached the men's 5000 metres final, finishing a respectable twelfth in a highly competitive field. In May 2009, Longosiwa set a personal best in the 3000 metres, clocking an impressive 7:30.09 minutes at the Qatar Athletic Super Grand Prix. In this race, he finished as runner-up to the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, underscoring his capability to compete with the sport's elite. He also participated in the 2009 IAAF World Athletics Final, where he secured a tenth-place finish.

The year 2010 presented significant personal challenges for Longosiwa as he battled bouts of typhoid and malaria. These severe illnesses can be debilitating for athletes, impacting their training, recovery, and overall performance, yet he demonstrated remarkable fortitude to return to peak form.

Path to Olympic Glory and Subsequent Success

Longosiwa's resurgence in 2011 was marked by several strong performances. He began the year with a victory at the Cross della Vallagarina in Italy, a notable cross-country event. He was a key member of the Kenyan team for the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, where he impressively finished sixth in the men's 5000 metres, reaffirming his standing among the world's best. He concluded his track season with a strong second-place finish over 5000 metres at the prestigious Memorial van Damme Diamond League meeting, a testament to his consistent high-level performance. In November of that year, he played a crucial role in Kenya's team victory at the International Chiba Ekiden, winning the demanding opening leg of the relay event.

The year 2012 proved to be a career-defining period for Longosiwa. He secured victories at the 80th edition of the Cinque Mulini and placed third at the Trofeo Alasport in March. In April, he was runner-up to Edwin Soi at the Giro Media Blenio. His consistent top finishes continued, including a second-place finish in the 5000 metres at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix. Crucially, he secured his place on the highly sought-after Kenyan Olympic team by achieving a top-three finish at the demanding national trials. Just a month before the London 2012 Olympics, Longosiwa set a new personal best in the 5000 metres with an outstanding time of 12:49.04 minutes, signalling his readiness for the biggest stage.

At the London 2012 Summer Olympics, Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa delivered one of his most memorable performances, earning his first-ever major international medal by taking the bronze in the fiercely contested Olympic 5000 metres final. This achievement was a culmination of years of dedication, perseverance through adversity, and consistent high-level training. Following his Olympic triumph, he continued his strong season by finishing second behind Isaiah Kiplangat Koech at the 2012 Diamond League final. He rounded off the year with two podium finishes at the renowned road races, the Giro di Castelbuono and the Giro al Sas, demonstrating his enduring form and versatility across different racing formats.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa

Who is Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa?
Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa is a professional Kenyan middle and long-distance runner, best known for his achievements in the 5000 metres event, including an Olympic bronze medal.
What medal did Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa win at the Olympics?
He won a bronze medal in the men's 5000 metres at the London 2012 Summer Olympics.
What was the passport controversy involving Thomas Longosiwa?
In 2006, he was found with two passports showing different birth years (1982 and 1988). The 1988 passport would have allowed him to compete in junior championships, leading to his arrest, a fine, and disqualification from a prior junior event. A police official was accused of forging his and other athletes' ages.
What is Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa's personal best in the 5000 metres?
His personal best in the 5000 metres is 12:49.04 minutes, set in 2012.
What other major achievements does Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa have?
Besides his Olympic medal, he is a former Kenyan 5000 metres champion (2007), has finished sixth at the World Championships, and achieved multiple podium finishes in prestigious Diamond League meetings and road races.