Saif Saaeed Shaheen

Saif Saaeed Shaheen, formerly Stephen Cherono (born 15 October 1982), is a retired steeplechase runner. Born in Keiyo, Kenya he represented Qatar. He was, for 19 years, the world record holder for 3000 metre steeplechase. He is a two time World Champion in the event. Quotes I did not expect to beat El Guerrouj, Although I ran a great time today at 5000m and I also run steeplechase, I prefer 1500m. Cherono upstages Guerrouj on a night of greatness in Ostrava, June 12 2003 One thing with Zurich, is that in the last five years or so the weather has been always very nice. Zurich is the best place I ever came across. I like Zurich so much. I would rather miss the other meets but go for Zurich. This is the best place for running fast times. Whenever I go there I want to perform well. The organization there is excellent. I have never seen something like that. In Zurich they are holding you like an egg. And the crowd is cheering you all the way. I am looking forward running there this Friday. I like 1500 m, you know. But there is one major problem: at my home steeplechase is a family affair. My oldest brother Christopher Koskei was World champion in 1999 and Abraham Cherono is in the Kenyan team for Paris. Even my younger sister Jennifer is running steeplechase. I have to do what is the family tradition. So far (the 2003 season) was not good and not bad. I expected something like 7:58 in Paris, but unfortunately the weather was bad. In Stockholm I wanted to run below 8 minutes, but this time the pacemakers didn’t do a good job. In Ostrava when I run the 5000m I was aiming 12:50. I did not expect to beat the great El Guerrouj, I was not thinking about this. Of course, winning a 5000m race in front of him is nice, but I don’t think this is a great achievement. Being an Olympic champion is a better achievement than running a fast time. Not too far as long as you keep focused. Many athletes when they get money they disappear after a few years. For me it will be different. Money will never change my life. My aim is to run for a long, long time. Only an injury could stop my running career but not money or anything else. My brother Christopher is not a good example for me: He was using the money, buying big cars and then he got finished. It is not true. Only this: Qatar will pay 1000 dollar every month, even after my retirement. In Kenya there is nothing like that. Qatar is a country with a lot of opportunities. From Kenya to Qatar, Cherono eyes Steeplechase world record in Zurich, August 13 2003 External links Category:1982 births Category:Track and field athletes Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Kenya