Alfred Kirwa Yego winning the 800m in Stuttgart (© Getty Images)
After bringing a quality field through the first lap in just under 57 seconds, Alfred Kirwa Yego’s pace precluded a fast performance, leaving those behind him to pull out their tactic notebooks instead. But it was Yego, the 2007 World champion, whose tactics prevailed in the end.
“Today I guess I surprised everyone because they were looking at (Yusuf Saad) Kamel,” said Yego, whose 1:49.05 was the slowest winning time in the six-year history of the World Athletics Final. “I had a strong sprint finish in the last 50 metres. I always concentrate on the last 200 metres.”
But entering the final half lap of the race, it was Kamel, the former Kenyan Gregory Konchellah who took a solid victory in the Brussels 800m last weekend, who looked to be in control. Poland’s Marcin Lewandowski made a move to steal the race entering the final bend, passing Kamel.
But Yego never let go, and retook the lead midway through the final straight to follow up his Olympic bronze with a Stuttgart victory.
Yego’s on his way home now to Eldoret, where he said he’ll use his $30,000 first place prize to build a church.
In the mad dash for home, Abraham Chepkirwok of Uganda took second (1:49.22), with Kamel third, and Lewandowski fourth, both credited with 1:49.40.
Bob Ramsak for the IAAF
