The men's 10,000 metres at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea had an entry list of 52 competitors, with two qualifying heats (52) before the final (20) took place on Monday September 26, 1988.

Only Moses Tanui and trailing off the back Salvatore Antibo managed to stay in contact.

The two Kenyans ran together in chase for part of a lap then Tanui was unable to keep up with the accelerated pace.

Coming down the home stretch, realizing the world record was out of reach, he slowed the last 30 metres and celebrated, blowing kisses to the crowd.

Kimeli was unable to respond and cruised home for bronze still more than eleven seconds up on Jean-Louis Prianon and the best sprinting efforts of the rest of the pack.