ATHLETICS – Bahrain's Birhanu Balew set a new Asian and Bahraini record last night in the men’s 5,000 metres en route to an impressive runner-up finish at the Oslo Bislett Games in Norway.
Balew was just a tenth-of-a-second shy from securing a sensational victory in his hotly contested and ultra-quick race, which was part of a stacked programme in the prestigious Diamond League meeting.
The 30-year-old distance-running specialist completed his run in 12 minutes 47.73 seconds – beating the old fastest mark for Asia and Bahrain of 12:48.67, which he himself set in June of last year in Paris. Balew put in a strong sprint to the finish after dropping behind the leaders late on.
He was then just pipped at the line by winner Addisu Yihune of Ethiopia, who triumphed in a world leading time of 12:47.62.
Andreas Almgren of Sweden ranked third in 12:48.61, while a trio of Americans finished fourth through sixth, including Parker Wolfe in 12:49.45, Grant Fisher in 12:49.61, and Graham Blanks in 12:49.99. Eighteen runners took part in the event.
Balew made his third appearance in this season’s Diamond League last night and his second in the men’s 5,000m.
His previous run over the distance was last month in Xiamen, China, where he finished seventh in 13:07.75.
The Diamond League is the premier one-day meeting series held annually under World Athletics – track and field’s governing body.
Aside from competing on athletics’ international circuit this year, Balew is also expected to be amongst the top medal hopefuls of Bahrain’s athletics national team that will be going for gold at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for September 19 to October 4.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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