Tanzania: Finish Line Too Far for Kenya’s Linet, Again

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

23 March 2011

Punta Umbria — Linet Masai failed to break the duck in her third attempt at gold as a senior athlete at the World Cross Country championship in Punta Umbria, Spain.

But, at 21, she has a whole career in front of her – unlike the winner in senior women’s race on Sunday, Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot. The two will be separated in the track season, Masai going to defend her 10,000 metres title and Cheruiyot the 5,000m one at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in September.

Prior to Cheruiyot, Masai had suffered defeats to compatriots Florence Kiplagat in Amman, Jordan, in 2009 and Emily Chebet in Bydgoszcz, Poland, last year. Reigning World 5,000m champion Cheruiyot, 27, won the World Junior Cross Country title in 2000 in Villamoura, Portugal, but had not placed higher than eighth in a World Cross competition.

Masai is the World 10,000m champion and won the World Junior Cross Country in Mombasa in 2007. “I like running in warm conditions. I had beaten Masai in Seville in January and was certain to do well here,” said Cheruiyot.

Cheruiyot’s gold and Masai’s silver were enough to secure Kenya 15 points, beating Ethiopia (29) and United States of America (57) to the team title. “I have won everything now – save for that elusive Olympic medal. Well, that is a year from now,” said Cheruiyot.

Masai and Cheruiyot pulled away after the first three laps. Cheruiyot, returning to cross country after four years, crossed the line in 24 minutes 58 seconds, ahead of Masai (25.07), USA’s Shalane Flanagan (25.10) and Ethiopia’s Meseltch Melkamu. Priscah Jepleting, Wude Ayalew (Ethiopia), Pauline Korikwiang, Lineth Chepkurui and Ethiopian Genzebe Dibada followed. Sylvia Kibet managed 13th place.

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