Leonard Bett makes triumphant return by smashing meeting record in Zagreb

Leonard Bett made a great comeback when he smashed the meeting record in 3,000m steeplechase at the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial in Zagreb at the weekend.

The 23-year-old, who finished fourth at the World Championships last year, hadn’t raced since July as he continues his return after injury, but he made a comeback in style, running a personal best 8:06.33 to make him the sixth fastest men’s 3,000m steeplechaser this year.

Bett was followed by Olympic finalists Ahmed Jaziri of Tunisia and Morocco’s Mohamed Tindouft, who respectively ran 8:08:11 and 8:11.56 at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.

Bett walked away with a total prize of $5,000 (Ksh645,150) for his win and meeting record; being $4,000 for winning an extra $1,000 bonus for smashing the meeting record.

It was a great return for Bett, who has endured a tough season blighted by injuries and poor form.

Bett started his 2024 season with a seventh place finish in 1,500m at the Athletics Kenya National trials in May before he missed the Paris 2024 Olympics after a fifth-place finish at the Olympics trials over the distance.

He sought to make amends at the Paris Diamond League in July but it ended in disappointing fashion as he finished last in 3,000m steeplechase.

The win in Zagreb therefore gives him confidence of a better 2025 campaign with the World Championships in Tokyo being the main focus