The Ugandan, defeated by the Ethiopian at the Games, reaffirms his 10,000m world title in a stunning final
Joshua Cheptegei was disappointed in Tokyo. He dreamed of Olympic glory in the form of a 5,000-10,000 double, but his dream soon fell apart. A disappointing Ugandan tactic in the 10km left Selemon Barega alive and ruthless. Cheptegei took good note and at the Eugene World Cup made it clear that the lesson had been learned. After a colossal final lap, Cheptegei has become unbeatable, a wall the Ethiopian Barega has been unable to overcome, to the point where the Ugandan has celebrated victory while the Olympic champion has dropped to fifth place. Kiplimo’s bronze has rounded out the Ugandan celebration, this time aiming for the double that resisted at Tokyo’s Olympic stadium.
Long-distance races in major championships, especially the 10 kilometers, have long been a strategy game among African countries. It is over that everyone goes their own way. Now the match between Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya leaves the final like last night, brilliant from start to finish. And the party was joined by Carlos Mayo, the only Spaniard present in the race, who has decided to take command because a race at pace would suit him, no changes that would destroy his tactics. The Aragonese, after a great performance 13th at the end, remained in the lead until the third kilometer, after which the tactical dance began.
Uganda sent Kissa to the front, not as wild as in Tokyo when he went solo. A similar move as Ethiopia advanced into position while Kenya and the American athletes waited hidden in the group. But it is on the way to the sixth kilometer when the final has warmed up. Cheptegei has taken over and from then on his aim has been to beat his rivals with a progressive, constant rhythm, which little by little has frayed the leading group.
The last two kilometers were intense, with at least eight athletes chasing everything. Among them the American Great Fisher, since last March the fastest white athlete in the distance with 26.33.84. The stadium only had eyes and encouragement for its athlete, but Cheptegei was not for gifts. After several attempts by the Kenyans and Ethiopians, the world record holder of 5 and 10 kilometers on the track has regained control on the last lap. And he won’t let them happen to him again. Selemon Barega has tried the same tactic as in the Games, hitting and breaking the Ugandan on the straight. But this time the lesson had already been learned. And the opposite has happened. Cheptegei flew without looking back. Barega has sunk and the party is from Uganda. The United States has honey on its lips for a brilliant Fisher’s fourth place finish. And Mayo has fought with the best with 27:50.61, 13th with the 16th mark among the entrants.
Source: La Verdad
I’m an experienced news author and editor based in New York City. I specialize in covering healthcare news stories for Today Times Live, helping to keep readers informed on the latest developments related to the industry. I have a deep understanding of medical topics, including emerging treatments and drugs, the changing laws that regulate healthcare providers, and other matters that affect public health.
