It was billed as the race of the day. And it did not disappoint as the clash between budding athletes and the established ones fashioned a new order in men’s 5,000m at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.
Newcomer Michael Kibet upset the rule book as he shrugged off a quality line up that had former world 5,000m silver medalist Caleb Mwangangi, former world junior 10,000m champion Richard Kimunyan, Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medalist Edward Zakayo and Davis Kiplagat.
The race started at a slow pace with Mwangangi leading Kimunyan, Robert Kiprop and Kiplagat in the initial stages.
But Daniel Simuyu, the national champion, produced a devastating kick in the last two laps and looked destined for victory only for him to run out of gas in the final 50 metres. Kibet overtook him as he sprinted to victory in 13:26.8. Simuyu settled for second place in 13:27.95 as Nicholas Kimeli came third in 13: 27.9.
Last month, Kibet broke the meeting record in 5,000 metres at the Palio della Quercia in Rovereto, Italy. He now a chance to make his national team debut.
“I excited to make the team. I have done a lot of training with the guidance of my coach William Koila in Iten. I feel happy to represent my country in Doha.
“I knew I was in good shape and the victory was no surprise. I planned well for the race,” said Kibet.
Simiyu said: “The pace was a little slow and in the end, I struggled to finish second. But I am happy to represent Kenya in Doha.”
Zakayo, the pre-race favourite, faded to ninth spot as Olympic 10,000m silver medalist Paul Tanui came tenth.
“I wasn’t in my best shape in the last three days. I am just recovering from typhoid I suffered recently and that’s why I struggled in the race. But I am confident that those who made the team can win medals in Doha,” said Zakayo.
Kenyans will be up against a strong Ugandan and Ethiopian opposition in Doha. Ethiopians will line up Selemon Barega, Muktar Edris and Hagos Gebrhiwet while Abadi Hadis and Telahun Haile are on the reserve.
Kenya has won seven out of 16 gold medals in men’s 5,000m at the IAAF World Athletics Championships. But it has not won the title since 2005 when Benjamin Limo bagged gold in Helsinki, Finland. Yobes Ondieki was the first Kenyan to win 5,000m gold at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Athletics Kenya had earlier announced 1-2-3 across the line will earn automatic slots to Doha but they are likely to reverse the decision today.
