Ethiopian favorite Letesenbet Gidey, as she was about to win, collapsed as she approached the finish line, allowing Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet to be crowned world cross champion on Saturday in Bathurst (Australia).
Chebet (22) triumphed in front of the Ethiopian Tsigie Gebreselama and another Kenyan, Agnes Jebet Ngetich.
Gidey (24), world record holder for the 5,000m, 10,000m and half-marathon, had the race in hand before collapsing a few dozen meters from the finish. Relieved by members of her team, she crossed the line in fourth position before being disqualified.
In the men’s race, the Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo (22), Olympic bronze medalist in the 10,000m, was crowned ahead of the Ethiopian Berihu Aregawi and another Ugandan, the Olympic champion in the 5,000m Joshua Cheptegei.
Kenya dominated the mixed team relay ahead of Ethiopia and Australia.
APS
