NAIROBI, June 10 -- Former Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop was beaten to third place during Kenya's national athletics championships that ended over the weekend in Nairobi.

Kiprop, who won the gold medal in 1,500m at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, lost to reigning Olympic bronze medalist Timothy Cheruiyot in a bruising final that had the whole stadium on its feet.

"The fact that Kiprop lost does not mean he should be written off. I know he will fight back during the national trials because he is now like a wounded lion," Cheruiyot said after the race.

Cheruiyot clocked 3:41.00 whereas second placed Justus Soget was timed at 3:41.45 while Kiprop stopped the clock at 3:42.60.

Kenya's athletics calendar is clogged. Next Tuesday, the country will hold trials to select the team to represent the East African nation during the Under 18 World Athletics Championships scheduled for in Nairobi.

On June 22, athletes will converge in Nairobi for the national trials to select the team to represent the country at the World Athletics Championships scheduled for August in London.