Louis Jadwong
20 August 2008
Beijing, China — THEY have all learnt a trick or two from the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt. When you have a race sewn up, simply walk to the finish line.
Abraham Chepkirwok eased in the last 50 metres but still finished second in Heat 6 of the 800m yesterday with a time of 1:47.86.
The only difference is Bolt had a gold medal in his hand while easing to the line, while Chepkirwok still has to sweat in the semi-finals today before he can show the world if he deserves to do it the Jamaican way in Saturday's final.
"The time does not matter at this stage. It is qualifying that is important because we still have many rounds to go," Chepkirwok told the international media after the race. He hardly seemed to have broken a sweat.
Chepkirwok toyed with the field, setting the pace at the start, falling back for most of the second, before securing his position in the final 100 metres.
Heat 6 had the slowest time of the eight heats, with Chepkirwok and the race's winner, Amine Laalou of Morocco, only making it to the list of 24 semifinalists because they were first and second.
They were ranked 38 and 39, and 14 others who didn't qualify ran better times but the first two advanced automatically - and Chepkirwok took advantage of that.
But that suits 19-year-old well, for it allows him reserve something in the tank for the semi-final today and the final on Sunday. He clearly had his eye on the favourite, Abubaker Kaki of Sudan who he has never beaten before.
"The Sudanese is very strong, but anything can happen in the 800m. We still have many rounds to go," Chepkirwok warned.
Like Chepkirwok, Kaki did what was enough to qualify, winning Heat 2 in 1:46.98. The Sudanese has the best time of the season, 1:42.69 while Chepkirwok is ranked 8th with 1:43.72. That put him 23rd in yesterday's results.
Wilfred Bungei of Kenya had the fastest time in Heat 1 of 1:44.90, which was a season best for him.
Heat 6
1. A. Laalou 1:47.86
2. A. Chepkirwok 1:47.86
Today
Semifinals 2.50pm EAT
Finals
Saturday
800m & 5000m
Sunday
Marathon
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