Cyrus Ruto silences critics with London ticket
What you need to know:
- There was a new order in men's 5,000m when Cyrus Ruto silenced his critics after winning the race and qualify for the World Championships at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
- Ruto, who finished third during the Rio Olympic trials last year in Eldoret but sideline for lack of experience, won in 13 minutes and 31.7 seconds.
Cyrus Ruto declared a new world order in men’s 5,000m with victory at the ongoing World Championships trials on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
It was a thrilling scramble to the finish line as Ruto, who trains in Kaptagat under coach Parick Sang, silenced his critics with victory in the men’s 5,000m race in 13 minutes and 31.7 seconds.
Cyrus Ruto (right) on his way to victory in the 5,000m race at the World Championship trials on June 23, 2017 at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
The victory was a consolation for Ruto after he was sidelined from the Rio Olympic Games despite finishing third during the trials last year in Eldoret.
World Youth 3,000m silver medallist Davis Kiplagat dug deep to finish second in 13:31.7 but the third-place finisher Geoffrey Koech in 13:33.9 was disqualified for lane infringement, which saw Commonwealth 3,000m steeplechase champion Jonathan Ndiku fall with 300m to go.
Geoffrey Kimutai Koech (063) and Cyrus Ruto (064) lead the pack in the 5000m race at the World Championship trials on June 23, 2017 at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
Josphat Kiprono, who finished fourth, was upgraded to third in 13:35.3 to seal the last qualifying slot for the World Championships due August 4-13 in London.
“I feel motivated and great to qualify straight after I was sidelined for the Rio Olympics in Eldoret," said the 25-year-old Ruto. “I wanted to avoid the issues of calculations that cost me a place at the Rio Olympic Games.”
The 19-year-old Kiplagat said his qualification for the London World Championships should unearth his full potential.
“After winning silver at world youth in Cali, I sustained a hamstring that kept me out of action virtually the better part of 2016,” said Kiplagat.
“I wanted to scale to last year’s World junior event but the injury kept me out.”
Cyrus Ruto (044) leads the pack in the 5000m race at the World Championship trials on June 23, 2017 at Nyayo National Stadium. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
Besides Ndiku, 2008 Olympics 5,000m bronze medallist Edwin Soi was the other major casualty in a race where World 5,000m silver medallist Caleb Mwangangi failed to show up.
It will be the first time for Ruto, Kiplagat and Kiprono at the World Championships.
Men's 5,000m
1. Cyrus Rutto 13:31.05
2.Davis Kiplangat 13:31.7
3. Josephat Kiprono 13:35.3
4. Geoffrey Koech 13:33.09 (Disqualified)
5. Josephat Kiprono 13:35.3
6. Bethwel Birgen 13:37.2
