In the absence of World record holder Kenenisa Bekele, 10,000m Olympic silver medallist Sileshi Sihine sprinted to victory in this afternoon’s 5000m.
It was an Ethiopian affair for most of the race as three of the four country’s representatives in the race alternated themselves in the lead and eventually took the first, second and fourth places.
Sihine set a new Competition record of 13:06.95 ahead of 24-year-old Olympic finalist Dejene Birhanu in second in 13:07.91 with Kenya’s Augustine Kiprono Choge preventing an Ethiopian sweep in third. (13:09.00).
Fourth at the Olympic Games, 20-year-old Gebre-egziab Gebremariam was fourth again today as he clocked 13:09.03.
Birhanu led the 12-athlete pack through the first kilometre in 2:39.96 with Gebremariam taking over the pace and going through 2km in 5:18.98. The athletes were still packed when Birhanu took over again (8:00.05 at 3km) and started toughening the pace.
Sihine went through 4km in 10:38.79 but it was Birhanu who kicked at the bell. The shorter of the two Ethiopians gained a five metres lead over Sihine who didn’t react immediately to his compatriot’s surge.
Sihine didn’t panic and gradually made up ground on Birhanu whom he caught half way through the last bend and sprinted unchallenged to the line.
“We planned to help one another and share the lead,” said Sihine. “I was determined to win so I knew I had to put a good fight.”
I am very happy, every time I run I run to win. It’s good to have a major success and I hope to keep improving.”
Birhanu declared: “The race was tough, it was very sunny and warm. I was trying to win. I know I don’t have a strong finishing speed so I kicked with about 500 metres or so to go.”
LA
