Asian Games double gold medalist Femi Ogunode became the fastest man at the Arab Games when he clocked 10.37 seconds to win the 100m final on Friday.
Ogunode prevailed in a photo finish with Oman’s Barakat al-Harthi (10.37sec), while Morocco’s Aziz Ouhadi claimed bronze in a time of 10.38seconds.
“I’m extremely pleased with the result. I didn’t expect the contest to be so close though,” said an elated Ogunode after the race.
Despite missing out on the title by a whisker, al-Harthi was pleased with his showing.
“I am very happy. I thank God for this result. I am so proud because this is the first medal in athletics for Oman. The distance between us was a hair’s width,” added al-Harthi.
Later in the evening Qatar’s Kamal Abubaker Ali went on to clinch gold in the men’s 3000m steeplechase virtually unchallenged clocking 8:36.82. The win was all the more pleasing for the Qatari as he was out of action for most part of last season due to injury and this season too was a forgettable one.
“That win was like a consolation for me, after two seasons of frustration. Last year I was injured and this season I couldn’t register a good time.
“I really wanted to win this race that’s why I went to Kenya and trained hard there for 43 days,” said an overjoyed Abubaker.
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Qatar’s Ogunode is Arab’s fastest man