Kipsiro still stunned, Uganda seeks divine intervention

Aug 06, 2012

The events of Saturday night have left Moses Kipsiro speechless. “Ah Ah” is all he mutters when asked to explain what happened in the 10,000m final at the Olympic stadium.

By Louis Jadwong

The events of Saturday night have left Moses Kipsiro speechless.

“Ah Ah” is all he mutters when asked to explain what happened in the 10,000m final at the Olympic stadium.

At exactly 7:36.00 minutes in the race, Kipsiro had his foot stepped on in the middle pack, fell down and out of contention.

While it at first looked like Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia had tripped him, video replays of the incident show Kipsiro was the victim of running close in a packed group. Mo Farah of Britain that the Ugandan coaches had feared most, went on to win gold.

Kipsiro refused to speak to the international and “local” press Saturday night after finishing 10th.

“Did Mo Farah run away with the gold you were supposed to have got for Uganda,” he is asked. “ Ah Ah,” he responds, gesturing that he does not even want to think or remember the final.

Everyone had their own view of  what many consider the turning point of Saturday's 10,000m final. “ Of over 29 athletes, why is it that our runner is the one unlucky to fall. That is the same spot where Benjamin Kiplagat fell in the steeplechase, there is something wrong,” a member of the team said.

Another person blamed Bekele. “I saw clearly. Bekele kicked Kipsiro because he was a threat.”

Mo (Mohammed) Farah had also struggled running in the pack, and was seen clearly unhappy with Eritreans Medhin Tekemariam and Tade se Zersenay.

Kipsiro got a bruise on his right hand, and was feeling pain in the shoulders and back as he was stepped on as he fell. While Uganda has medical doctor James Sekajugo and physiotherapist Michael Aleku to deal with the ailments, so he is ready for the 5,000m heats on Wednesday, they did not travel with a psychologist.

And that is where Ugandan-born pastor GMK Elly of the Kingdom Love Ministries came in.

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Pastor Elly led the Ugandan team, including Kipsiro in prayers at their residence Sunday morning.

“You are all champions,” he told the athletes. “ God has a plan for each of you, all you have to do is believe,” he said as he encouraged the team.

“See yourselves as champions because the Lord is on your side. Do not fear anybody and do not  be discouraged.”

Using Uganda's motto, “ For God and my Country,” Pastor Elly said Ugandans have always put God first, and therefore “you will not leave here without medals. ” 

 ** To see video of this race, search for " London Olympic 2012 Men's 10,000 m Final Extended Highlights" on YOUTUBE.

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