Obiri eyes glory in Doha as Manang'oi changes tact

Kenya's Hellen Obiri reacts after winning the women's 5000m during the Shanghai Diamond League athletics competition in Shanghai. [AFP PHOTO / Johannes]

A rich field of World champions, led by Hellen Obiri and Elijah Manangoi, headline the exhilarating opening leg of Diamond League Series in Doha tomorrow night.

In 2014, Obiri posted 8:20.68 in women's 3,000m race in Doha. This is the seventh fastest time over the distance as she defeated Mercy Cherono and Ethiopian Genzebe Dibaba.

Obiri, 28, took a maternity break in 2015, and only returned to action in 2016 after giving birth to her daughter. She then won silver in 5,000m at the Rio Olympic Games.

Last year she won all races she took part in (3,000m and 5,000m), clocking world-leading marks in both events. 

The event will also feature other Kenyans, including Olympic silver medalist Hyvin Kiyen, Carolyne Chepkoech, Sandra Felis Chebet, former World Cross Country Champion Agnes Tirop and Mary Kurua.

USA’s Jenny Simpson, Ethiopian Tesfay Fotyen, Genevieve Lacaze of Australia and Yesmin Can of Turkey are also in the mix.

“I have very good memories of Doha. In 2014, I ran a stadium record there. It is a fast track and I’m in good form. Being the defending champion calls for extra work," said Obiri.

On the other hand, Manangoi has dropped from his traditional 1,500m specialty for the meeting and will compete in men’s 800m alongside USA-based Emmanuel Korir, World bronze medalist Kipyegon Bett, Nicholas Kiplangat and former Diamond League trophy winner Ferguson Rotich.

“I have been invited by the organisers, that’s why I will be running in that race. Doha doesn’t have the 1,500m event,” said Manangoi, who has a personal best of 1:44.8 in 800m.

In women’s 1,500m, South Africa's Caster Semenya will face Kenyans, led by former 800m World Champion Eunice Sum and Winny Chebet.

Most athletes are targeting the Athletics World Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic.