Day 6 of the Osaka World Athletic Championships rolled in and it was as though the first climax for middle to distance running had been on Day 5, with the Men's 1500m. All we had for today were the heats of the 800m and 5000m. Of course, there were many tense events that took place on Thursday, like Jana Rawlinson's win in the 400m hurdles or the fine double of Tyson Gay capturing the 200m title after his emphatic win in the 100, not to mention the amazing competition in the Men's Long Jump.
In the Men's 800m heats, we would see 6 races to remove the excess runners before Friday's semi-finals. During this process the favourites often proceed without too much fuss however on this occasion the Netherland's Bram Som was the main casualty of note. Canada 's Gary Reed impressed with his controlled manner in which he executed his race and seems to be building on from 2005, where he stepped onto the main stage for the first time. Defending Champion, Rashid Ramzi, progressed without much trouble.
The 5000m semis, saw 2 races totally different from one to the other, Sweden's Erik Sjöqvist hung himself out to be punished and he paid the price over the last 1km, at least he won the first 4km. For Sunday's final, it looks like a match up between the big guns with Craig Mottram hoping to build opon his Bronze in 2005. The Kenyans have defending champ, Benjamin Limo, in the final as well as an impressive Eluid Kipchoge with our favourite, the newly crowned 1500m Champion , Bernard Lagat a massive threat. This race will go to the line and we believe Lagat will be there at the death. Incredibly, the USA finds themselves with 3 representatives in the 5000m final, some feat.
Now to our comment of the day, that is reserved for Italy's Andrew Howe. If this had been a football match he would have received a yellow card. His behaviour was way over the top and whereas he had reason to celebrate his jump, the excessive behaviour was inappropriate considering there were others jumping after him. Thank heavens Saldano mustered enough power of concentration to produce a stunning jump of 8m 57, a Personal Best, National Record, Area Record and most importantly, Gold.
Our Athlete of the Day, Tyson Gay - his 100/200 double making him the fastest double winner in the history of the World Championships.
That's it from us
TheEd
