New Zealand's Geordie Beamish has claimed a stunning world gold in the 3,000 metres steeplechase with a sprint finish denying Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali a fifth successive global title.

It was New Zealand's first gold medal of this world championships, and first ever on the track. The nation's six previous golds were all in field events, five in the shot put and one in the discus.

It completed a remarkable week for Beamish after he fell with only a lap to go in his heat, getting stamped on the head in the process, but recovered to qualify.

"This was a turn-up, wasn't it? That was pretty unreal," the 28-year-old Kiwi said.

"I just gave myself a shot in the last 200 metres. I knew I had it in me tonight. I only knew I'd win one metre before the finish and that was enough.

"I've been

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