Yusuf Saad Kamel

Who is Yusuf Saad Kamel?

Yusuf Saad Kamel, born Gregory Konchellah, was the 2009 world champion at 1500 meters, representing Bahrain after his switch from Kenya. He specializes in the 1500 metres and 800 metres. He was born in Narok, Kenya.

He trains with PACE Sports Management and is coached by Ricky Simms. He is the son of former two-time 800 metres World Champion Billy Konchellah.

In 2009 he stopped competing for Bahrain claiming unpaid salary and bonuses. He was willing to compete for Kenya, but his Kenyan passport is held by Bahraini officials. Without a passport, he was unable to compete in any competition. Several other Kenyan runners who took Bahraini citizenship have also left Bahrain and are vying to compete for Kenya. However, he returned to the track in July 2009 at the Athletissima meeting, still representing Bahrain. Subsequently, Athletics Kenya stopped to handle his attempt to compete for Kenya.

Running for Bahrain, Kamel won the gold in the 1500 m and bronze in 800 m at the 2009 World Athletics Championships held in Berlin. At the 2011 World Athletics Championships in Daegu he only participated at the 1500 m but just failed to qualify for the final.