With consummate ease Kenya's Asbel Kiprop retains his World Championship 1,500 metres
title for a second time to add a fourth major title to his Olympic Games win in 2008.
1.
|
Asbel
|
KIPROP |
KEN |
3:34.40 |
|
2.
|
Elijah Motonei
|
MANANGOI |
KEN |
3:34.63 |
|
| 3. |
Abdalaati
|
IGUIDER |
MAR |
3:34.67 |
|
| 4. |
Taoufik
|
MAKHLOUFI |
ALG |
3:34.76 |
|
| 5. |
Silas
|
KIPLAGAT |
KEN |
3:34.81
|
|
| 6. |
Nick
|
WILLIS |
NZL |
3:35.46 |
|
| 7. |
Timothy
|
CHERUIYOT |
KEN |
3:36.05 |
|
| 8. |
Matthew
|
CENTROWITZ |
USA |
3:36.13 |
|
On May 2nd, 2018, it was first reported that Kiprop had tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing
substance EPO. He failed an out-of-competition drugs test. The test results were later confirmed by the
IAAF's Athletics Integrity Unit. Kiprop maintained that he would fight to prove his innocence.
but he was found guilty and given a four-year doping ban in April 2019.
Asbel Kiprop striding out in his semi final on the 28th August which he won in a leisurely 3:43.48s.
Photo George Herringshaw. ©
One year later and things were very different. In a final ran at such a slow pace the winner
only just beat the women's world record for the event (3:50.07) Asbel Kiprop was too slow to
react over the last 100 metres and although less than tenth of a second behind the winner
finished 6th.
2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Men's 1,500 metres final.
| 1. |
Matthew Centrowitz, Jr. |
United States |
3:50.00 |
| 2. |
Taoufik Makhloufi |
Algeria |
3:50.11 |
| 3. |
Nick Willis |
New Zealand |
3:50.24
|
| 4. |
Ayanleh Souleiman |
Djibouti |
3:50.29 |
| 5. |
Abdalaati Iguider |
Morocco |
3:50.58
|
| 6. |
Asbel Kiprop |
Kenya |
3:50.87 |
| 7. |
David Bustos |
Spain |
3:51.06 |
| 8. |
Ben Blankenship |
United States |
3:51.09 |
The winning time of 3:50.00 was the slowest since 1932.
Only five finalist (there were thirteen) failed to beat 3:40 in their semi final - ten seconds
faster than Matthew's winning time !
Earlier in the evening Mo Farah won the 5,000 metres.
Mo's best time for the 1,500 metres. 3:28.81. Need one say more ?