US middle-distance runner Alexa Efraimson (© Randy Miyazaki)
Ethiopia’s Dawit Seyaum and Gudaf Tsegay claimed the gold and silver medals in this race two years ago in Eugene and their compatriots once again lead the world U20 list heading into Bydgoszcz.
Tsegay is still eligible for U20 competitions but she has chosen to forego the chance to upgrade her silver medal in order to focus on the Olympic Games. Even in her absence, though, Ethiopia’s middle-distance contingent arrives in good form and with recent championship experience to draw upon.
In a fast-run race which was dominated by Caster Semenya, Adanech Anbesa and Fantu Worku finished third and fourth respectively at the African Championships in Durban last month, setting lifetime bests of 4:05.22 and 4:05.84 in the process.
One of the biggest threats to the Ethiopian hegemony comes from Germany in the shape of the Rio-bound 18-year-old Konstanze Klosterhalfen, whose range includes a 2:01.55 800m PB and a 32:24 10km PB.
The German senior champion is unbeaten at her specialist event this summer and with a 4:06.91 PB to her name, the German won’t be overawed by the East African opposition. She may, however, opt to compete in the 3000m as she is entered in both events.
After finishing sixth two years ago, USA’s Alexa Efraimson has continued her ascent. With a lifetime best of 4:03.39 from last year, the 2013 world bronze medallist is the fastest entrant for Bydgoszcz. Her season’s best of 4:06.38 places her just behind the Ethiopians, but she may be running on tired legs after contesting three rounds of the 1500m at the US Olympic Trials.
The Kenyan duo of Winifredah Nzisa and Joyline Chepkoech haven’t raced at sea level this summer and will surely improve on their season’s bests next week while Rwanda could claim a medal courtesy of Beathe Nishimwe, who was seventh in Durban in 4:08.75.
Steven Mills for the IAAF
