London, Aug 7 (IANS/RIA Novosti): World champion Yuliya Zaripova of Russia took Olympic gold in the women's 3000 metres steeplechase Monday.
Zaripova shook off the challenge of Tunisia's Habiba Ghribi on the final water jump to power to gold in nine minutes, 6.72 seconds, a personal best and the third-fastest time in history.
Ghribi posted a national record of 9:08.37 for silver, with Ethiopia's Sofia Assefa claiming the bronze in 9:09.84.
Gulnara Galkina, the defending champion and world record holder, dropped out with two laps remaining.