Julius Korir burst onto the international athletics scene in 1982, when he surprisingly won gold in the steeplechase at the Commonwealth Games and silver at the African Championships. Korir improved his times during the 1983 season, but finished only seventh at the first World Championships. He continued to improve in 1984, establishing himself as a serious contender for the gold medal. In the Olympic final, Korir was always with the leaders, and when he started his sprint for home with just over half a lap remaining, the rest of the field was unable to respond. Korir missed the 1985 season due to injury, and although he competed for several more years, he never again represented his country at a major international championship.
Personal Best: 3000S – 8:11.80 (1984).
Kenya