Posted: November 28, 2006

Athletics: Injury Sidelines Shaheen From Asian Games

From David Monti

© 2006 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

By Bob Ramsak Unable to shake a nagging injury, Saif Saaeed Shaheen, the world record holder in the 3000m steeplechase, will not compete at next month's Asian Games in Doha, Qatar. "Unfortunately he had an Achilles tendon injury since the end of the track season and despite intensive treatment in Kenya and in Europe he will not be able to run," said his manager Ricky Simms, of Pace Sports Management. The Kenyan-born Shaheen, who has represented Qatar since 2003, was slated to be one of the Games' biggest stars, where he had intended to contest both his specialty and the 5000 meters. With four wins in as many races in his specialty this season, Shaheen extended his unbeaten streak in the water and barrier race to 24 finals, currently the longest win streak in the sport. The 24-year-old hasn’t lost in the event he has dominated in recent years since the African Championships on 8 August 2002. "He will now focus on getting healthy and hopes to be back in top shape for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in March," Simms said. Comment on this story. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest

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