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Kiplimo's setback in Monaco serves as a stark reminder of the ever-changing dynamic of track and field, even for the most seasoned athletes, but also provides crucial lessons ahead of the World Championships in August.
Jacob Kiplimo fell short of his own expectations as he finished in a disappointing sixth place in the men's 5000m race at the Herculis Diamond League in Monaco on Friday.
Kiplimo, with a commendable winning streak, had established himself as a formidable presence both on the track and the roads pegged for a higher finish.
The 22-year-old dominated seven out of his last ten races, including a standout performance at the Commonwealth track double.
He had an exceedingly close encounter during his last race at the Bislett Games in Oslo, where he crossed the line simultaneously with Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, losing the top spot by mere millimeters in a photo-finish.
Kiplimo's setback in Monaco serves as a stark reminder of the ever-changing dynamic of track and field, even for the most seasoned athletes, but also provides crucial lessons ahead of the World Championships in August.
The Herculis meeting was certainly a fast-paced event, where nine runners smashed the 13-minute barrier.
The Herculis meet did not see the breaking of a world record, it indeed etched its place in history as a notably fast race.
Best records were set for places 3-4-5-6 (12:42.58, 12:45.01, 12:46.02, 12:48.78), and Mohamed Katir of Spain set a new European record, breaking Jakob Ingebrigtsen's 2021 record.
The race started off at a blistering pace, with the leading group of seven runners, including Hagos Gebrhiwet, maintaining a 12:44 pace through the initial 3000 meters.
The swift pace suggested the possibility of a world record or, at the very least, a sub-12:40 finish if the tempo was ramped up.
However, when Jacob Krop of Kenya took the lead, the pace started to slow down, seemingly pushing the prospects of any imminent world records off the table.
Seizing the opportunity, Gebrhiwet made a strategic move. He took the lead with only 1.5 laps remaining, displaying an impressive burst of energy and speed.
His final 600 meters were completed in a swift 1:26.2, including a final lap run at a staggering speed of 56.7 seconds.
This powerful surge allowed him to maintain his position at the forefront and eventually cross the finish line first.
The outcome of the race for Kiplimo underscores the ever-changing dynamics of this grueling sport and reinforces that no athlete, no matter how accomplished, is immune to a surprise turn of events.
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