Nairobi — Veteran bounces back in 10,000m in Kenya trials

In 1987 a then 16 year-old Leah Malot electrified 60,000 spectators at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani as she raced to the 10,000 metres gold medal during the All-Africa Games finals.

Yesterday, 17 years-on Malot repeated the feat at the same venue during the first day of the national trials for the World Championships and the All-Africa Games in her first 10,000m race of the season.

She won in commanding style spicing her running with a combination of experience and natural skill.

After taking the lead from the bell, she sped to the finish clocking 33 minutes 12.1 seconds for her victory. She was followed home by Commonwealth Games champion Selina Kosgei (33:15.8) and Irene Kwambai (33:27.1).

Malot, who was voted world's most durable athlete in 2000, was not expected to make a big impression as she was still nursing a gash she incurred at the national championships when she was spiked during a 5,000m race.

Kosgei's reputedly fast kick which was expected to carry the day never happened. She had planned to remain in the shadows of Irene Kwambai and Alice Timbilil who set the pace.

However, no one appeared willing to take the task of chasing Timbilil who moved to the front in the opening laps.

Kosgei tested the waters in the seventh lap when Kwambai was still within striking distance. She briefly tried to break away but opted to hold her position when Timbilil appeared to be the only one keen on taking the challenge.

The field spread into single fine formation. The only runner not in the picture was Esther Wanjiru who was struggling at second last.

Eunice Chepkorir took the 13th lap before Timbilil regained pole position in an apparent plan to burn out the rest. Kwambai however, moved ahead again and controlled the pace up to the 18th lap. Then out of the blue, Esther Rumokal kicked off her spikes, took off, hitting the front. She opened a two metre lead.

She found her momentum without the spikes and soon she was chasing the receding heels of Kwambai, race leader until the 23rd lap when Malot and Kosgei moved ahead.

In typical Kosgei style, the prison wardress was again in the lead but Malot refused to let go and the two embarked on their final battle at the 300m mark. With 150m to go, both were running neck and neck although the experienced Malot started to pull away. As they hit the home stretch she was five metres clear a lead she never relinquished.

Prior to the trials, Malot had competed in the United States at the Oregon road race, and finished fifth. She also competed at an international meeting in Japan on May 5 taking fourth place.

This was her first 10,000m this year.

"I feel overwhelmed with this unexpected performance," said Malot.

"I kicked early to avoid running in the pack because I was still nursing an injury. The left heel was still sore but I decided to run slowly, kind of warm up. Mid stage I found my rhythm and the rest is now history.

"In Paris I fear Berhane Adere of Ethiopia and Briton Paula Radcliffe if she is going to run. Otherwise the rest will be easy to contain."

Kosgei paid glowing tribute to Malot whom she described as a heroine worth respecting. Although she still has a qualifying time, she plans to run in one or two races abroad before returning home for residential training.

Bernard Lagat, a 1,500m silver medallist at the World Championships two years ago, went through the qualifying heats without breaking sweat. His aim was to make the team. "I came to run today as a warm-up exercise. I feel good. Tomorrow will be the real test. I am ready," said Lagat who finished second behind Isaac Songok in the second heat with a time of 3:44.6.

The victor clocked 3:44.2. Paul Korir was the fastest in the first heat in 3:46.3 followed by Alex Kipchichir who had been entered in the longer race instead of the 800m to improve the level of competition. He clocked 3:47.1. Lagat led from the start until the last 100m when he eased off.

Joseph Mutua was all smiles after his afternoon work-out and could afford to slow down in the final bend instead of fighting it out with winner Michael Rotich in the second heat of the 800m He clocked 1:46.74 while the winner ran 1:46.14.

Justus Koech was the fastest qualifier in 1:46.00 in heat one with Ntambe Maswii coming second in 1:46.64.

Said Wachira who in an Alabamadrawl: "I am cool, the guys in the terraces really gave me the kick with their cheering. My body is feeling good. Now I am ready for the final."

Asked whether the withdrawal of Wilfred Bungei and William Yampoi, second and fourth at the Edmonton World Championships two years ago made the race easier, Wachira thought not. "This was a straight semi-final. The race was difficult there was no time to mess up."

The trials were hit by late withdrawal of leading athletes notably in the men's 800 metres and women's 10,000m due to various reasons.

Wilfred Bungei, winner of the 800m silver and William Yampoi, fourth in the world championships, pulled out due to injury, thereby deflating the level of competition and leaving former world junior champions Joseph Mutua, Nickolas Wachira and Japhet Kimutai as Kenya's greatest hope in the world championships if they qualify today.

Former world marathon record holder Tecla Lorupe was also absent. She said on Thursday that was was unlikely to run because of lack of proper preparations.

After failing to be selected in the national marathon team, Lorupe is planning to compete in Berlin Marathon in September where Paul Tergat has also been invited. In the sprints, Caren Nyakawa of Prisons won the 100m hurdles in 15.13.