Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet was in a class of his own as he destroyed a strong field to win the men’s 5000m at the Diamond League Meeting in Rome.
The Ethiopian star clocked 12:51.07 to cross the finish line ahead of compatriots Yomif Kejelcha and Selemon Barega who finished second and third in respective times of 12:51.25 and 12:51.39.
Jacob Krop finished fourth in the tight race, clocking a superb 12:51.55 to become the first Kenyan to cross the finish line as Nicholas Kipkorir and Ronald Kwemoi faded to finish ninth and 11th respectively.
The race started with Berihu Aregawi controlling the pace for the better part until the 3000m mark when he started drifting back. Krop took charge shortly after but the Ethiopians proved too strong as they came and oovertook the Kenyan long-distance maestro.
Gebrhiwet who was laid back throughout the race came from behind and took control with a few meters to the finish line. He surged past his Ethiopian compatriots to take the win eventually.
Kejelcha who has been impressive this season was forced to settle for second place in the race after having a poor outing at the Paris Olympics where he finished sixth in the men’s 10,000m.
On his part, Barega was forced to finish third, an improvement from his performance at the Diamond League Meeting in Silesia where he finished seventh in the men’s 3000m race.
At the Paris Olympics, Barega finished seventh in the men’s 10,000m, a performance below the athlete of his calibre since he had enjoyed great performances before the Olympics.
On his part, Krop has risen through the ranks following his 10th place finish in the men’s 5000m at the Paris Olympic Games.
