Posted: August 11, 2005

Athletics: Ethiopians & Kenyans Lead Men's 5000M Qualifying

From David Monti

© 2005 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

HELSINKI (11-Aug) -- Every man wearing an Ethiopian or Kenyan uniform who lined up for tonight's 5000 meter qualifying heats advanced to Sunday's final setting the stage for a potential African sweep of the medals. Indeed, of the 15 men who advanced all but three were born in Africa.

Kenyans Isaac Songok (13:20.36) and defending world champion Eliud Kipchoge (13:12.86) won the first and second heats, respectively, to lead the Kenyan team. Veterans John Kibowen and Benjamin Limo also advanced. The Kenyans had four athletes competing because the defending world champion automatically gains entry to the meet.

Ethiopians Tariku Bekele, a younger brother of Kenenisa Bekele, Dejene Berhanu and Sileshi Sihine led the charge for Ethiopia to the final.

Australian Craig Mottram, the Oceana record holder, finished a comfortble second in heat 2 (13:12.93) and could break up the potential African medal sweep.

"That's the easiest 13:12 I've done in my life," Mottram told RRW confidently.

For the Americans, however, it was a tough day. Neither Tim Broe, Ian Dobson nor Ryan Hall advanced. Hall was an early leader in heat 1, but faded badly to finish 16th. Dobson, who ran in the same heat, fared better, staying with the lead pack for most of the race and finishing 10th in 13:27.16. His legs were bleeding badly from being spiked on the shins.

"All I can do was hope to stay in the middle and not get passed," he said explaining his approach in his first world championships.

For Broe, who ran in heat 2, the disappointment was the most intense. He contracted a sinus infection three days ago and was forced to take a few days off. He did his best to stay in the race, even leading some of the early laps. But he felt progressively worse, jogging the last three laps, and even contemplated dropping out.

"I really gave it all that I had," said Broe who is also nursing a plantar fasciatis problem on his left foot. "I should have stepped off, but I'm too proud."

Ramzi Doubles Back In The 800M

Rachid Ramzi, fresh off of his gold medal performance in last night's 1500m, was the leading qualifier in tonight's first round of the 800m. He won his heat over James McIlroy of Ireland, 1:46.17 to 1:46.44. No man has ever won an 800m and 1500m gold medal at the same world championships.

Also advancing was Olympic champion, Yuriy Borzakovskiy of Russia, who won the slowest of all the heats (heat 3) in 1:50.14. Second place William Yiampoy of Kenya was given the same time.

The Americans made a good showing with Khadevis Robinson (third in heat 2 in 1:46.74) and David Krummenacker (second in heat 4 in 1:47.82) both advancing to tomorrow's semi-finals.

"The race didn't go as planned, but I ended up getting third and qualified," said Robinson, the U.S. champion. He said that he didn't mind the rainy conditions, but that the strong winds which buffeted the athletes were a problem. "We all have to deal with it," he added.

Krummenacker was also satisfied. "The main thing was to go out there and make it to the next round, stay out of trouble, don't get mixed up with the pushing and shoving." he said. "I accomplished all that."

Kevin Hicks, the U.S. indoor champion, failed to advance finishing seventh in heat 6.