Kipyeko eliminated, rues misfortune

By Norman Katende in Moscow

IAAF World Athletics Championships

1. H. Gebrhiwet (ETH) 13:23.22

2. y. Alamirew (ETH) 13.23.48

3. B. Lagat (USA) 13:23.59

11. P. Kipyeko (UGA) 13:33.68

PHILIP Kipyeko’s World Championships debut was a disappointing one after he finished 11th in Heat 1 of the 5000m here at Luzhiniki Stadium.

Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet won the heat in a time of 13:23.22 seconds with fellow country mate Yanew Alamirew following him in 13:23.48.  

Kipyeko clocked 13:33.68 to finish one place behind Kenyan John Kipkoech, who fell during the race as the runners scrambled for clear air during the last 800m.

true

Kipyeko (left) was up mixing it with the front-runners for the majority of the race. Photo by Norman Katende. 

Kipyeko competed in what turned out to be the slower of the two heats, characterised by tagging, spiking and pushing and his lack of experience left him a victim. 

The 19-year-old who made a good beginning to the race even had the courage to share the lead with the top guns and dictating the pace, eventually lost his concentration after he was spiked by former World Champion Bernard Lagat, leaving him with puncture wounds.

He however persevered and kept within the leading pack going into the final 800m but made contact with Lagat yet again and this time, there was no way back for the youngster.

“I could feel so much pain but hung on. It was a good lesson for me and I will now go back and train more so that I can beat the best,” said Kipyeko.

Kipyeko though couldn't up his pace for the final 800m and fell further back. Photo by Norman Katende.

After the race, Lagat a naturalised American from Kenya looked out for him, hugged him and apologised saying that it was not intended.

“I am sorry I did it. I never intended it,” Lagat said after the race.

Kipyeko joins other runners that include Timothy Toroitich, Moses Kipsiro, Ronald Musagala and Juliet Chekwel, who have all bowed out of the biennial event.