Two Kenyans won their races at the Paris Diamond league race on Saturday July 5.
Asbel Kiprop beats Nijel Amos
Asbel Kiprop rarely runs the 800m but when he does, he never fails to surprise. In this race he was pitted against 2012 Olympic silver medalist Nijel Amos. The resurgent Amos has established himself as the top 800m runner this season. But Kiprop was not overawed.He took the lead in the final bend and held off all challengers especially Nijel Amos with whom he was neck and neck until there was 50m left whereupon Kiprop’s long stride carried him past Amos to cross the line in a world-leading 1:43.34.
It will give him the confidence he needs as he attempts to breakthe 1500m world record at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Monaco on 18 July.
Edwin Soi beats strong field to win the 5000m
You never know what to expect from Edwin Soi. On his day he is capable of beating anybody. But he lacks consistency. This Saturday was one of his days as he beat a star studded field that included most of the top 5000m in the world currently. Soi produced his typical strong finish to pass Yenew Alamirew in the last 50m and win in 12:59.02, marking the first time this season that anyone has gone sub 13:00.
Other Races
Milcah Chemos who has been dominating the women’s 3000m steeplechase over the last 3 years is suffering a significant loss of form. She finished a distant 8th in 9:26.49 . Hellen Obiri was 3rd in the women’s 1500m which was won by Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands. Obiri never put herself in contention. Faith Kipyegon was 4th.
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