Albert Kiptoo YATOR (KEN)1st in HEAT 1 - 8:40.92
I didn’t think it was a fast race. It was a very comfortable pace. I want the gold.
Mattias WOLTER (CAN) - 10th in HEAT 1 - 9:04.44
The plan was to make the final and make a PB, I didn’t execute that. I ran close to my PB but I was hoping to be around 8:50 - that didn’t happen.
I don’t really know (what happened). I know I went out a lot faster than I’m used to but I kind of was expecting that in a world championship.
I’m happy. I don’t have any excuses. I just didn’t run a PB and I didn’t qualify.
Afework MESFIN (ETH) – 6th in HEAT 1 - 8:55.77
The race was good but it was warm. I had a hard time with that.
I ran my personal best in Addis Ababa.
Jacob ARAPTANY (UGA) - 1st in HEAT 2 - 8:28.14 (PB)
I feel good. The race was enjoyable. When I’m running, I feel free, very free. The last stretch of the race was somewhat hard but I persisted [and won].
Jonathan Muia NDIKU (KEN) - 2nd in HEAT 2 - 8:28.23
It was fine. I will get a medal in the final - gold.
Desta ALEMU (ETH) – 3rd in HEAT 2 – 8:38.04
The temperature was a little warm but otherwise, it was great, really great. I have to run fast in the final.
[At the 2009 World Youth Championships] I got good results but looking forward, I have to do even better.
[African Junior champion Ndiku] beat me there, and I have to work hard and beat him.
I am based in Japan, in Fukuoka.
