Athletic Showdown Ahead of IAAF Diamond League in Doha, Qatar,
Athletics
By
JONATHAN KOMEN
| May 06, 2016
A big showdown is expected when the opening leg of this year’s IAAF Diamond League meeting gets underway in Doha, Qatar, tonight.
The meeting in the Qatari capital has traditionally attracted the elite of athletics, and this year’s edition is no exception, with 38 champions and 80 medallists from past Olympic Games and IAAF World Championships, indoors and outdoors, expected to compete.
Huge dreams linger as Kenya’s world beating stars eye good show during this Olympic year, with the Summer Games slated for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 5-21.
As is always the tradition, the Doha meet has assembled the best field in most races with men’s 3,000m steeplechase boasting Kenya’s top four finishers at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China, last year.
Four-time world 3,000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi will carry his 7:55.76 best mark to the start line against a classy field.
The showpiece, which comes up at 7:50pm Kenyan time, will see Kemboi battle Paul Kipsiele Koech (7:51.31), world silver medallist Conseslus Kipruto (8:01.16), 2015 Diamond League Trophy winner Jairus Kipchoge Birech (7:58.41) and Olympic bronze medallist Abel Mutai (8:01.67).
Basking in an impressive 3:26.69 third all-time mark, Asbel Kiprop will lead the chase for Diamond League points against a quality 1,500m line up that includes silver medallist Elijah Manangoi (3:29.67), 2011 silver medallist Silas Kiplagat (3:27.64) and Vincent Kibet (3:31.96).
Ethiopia’s Aman Wote (3:29.91) and homeboy Mousab Adam (3:42.23) are also in contention.
“I will compete here and then assess