Johannesburg – South African Olympic gold medallist Caster Semenya once again powered to victory in the women’s 800m at the 75th edition of ISTAF Berlin. in Germany, on Sunday.
The South African took victory in a dominant 1:55.68, just 0.4 away from her PB set when winning in Rio, while Olympic silver medallist Francine Niyonsaba finished second in 1:57.58. Having missed out on a spot in the final in Rio, Kenya’s Eunice Sum finished strongly over the final 50 metres to secure third in 1:57.95.
In the men’s 800, David Rudisha was the overwhelming favourite and the two-time Olympic champion did not disappoint. Hanging well behind pace maker Bram Som through the 400m, the Dutchman going through the bell in 50.47, Rudisha picked up the pace in the second lap to take the victory in 1:43.31.
Only fellow Kenyan Kipyegon Bett stuck with the world record holder over the final lap getting up Rudisha’s shoulder with 300 metres to go before the 2016 world under-20 champion finished second with a PB of 1:43.76.
An evergreen athlete who bid farewell to track and field on Berlin’s blue oval was 2007 double-world champion Kenyan-born Bernard Lagat of the US. Hanging in the lead pack during the 3 000m, the 41-year-old attempted an assault on leader Augustine Choge with 150 metres to go.
Choge, who had been struggling with injuries since the IAAF World Indoor Championships Portland 2016 in March, had hinted before the meeting he felt in good shape. In the end, the Kenyan had enough left in the tank to fend off Lagat and take the victory in 7:43.00, with the American finishing second in 7:43.63.
He may have been around for what feels like an eternity, but while everyone around him is talking of retirement, Kim Collins shows no signs of slowing down.
The 40-year-old wasn’t fully satisfied with his 10.07 winning time in the men’s 100m, but was pleased with the victory nonetheless and was all set to DJ at the after-party on Saturday night.
– ANA