It’s a safe bet to say that the winner of the Women’s 5000m will be out of Africa. You could also say with near certainty that it will be a Kenyan with six of the worlds top 10 coming from the East African nation. Kenya continues to flood the world with some of the best distance runners ever seen and it shows no signs of slowing. The final takes place on the 10th of August at 20.05 (GMT).
World number one Vivian Cheruiyot will be joined by compatriots Sally Kipyego and Sylvia Kibet and a strong African presence in the final will certainly work in their favour. If the pace is fast from the off that will suit the Africans as they have by far the bet stamina, but if the pace is slowed down some other runners with an ability to kick on may get a look in.
Vivian
Cheruiyot
The other four from the top ten are Ethiopian and of these Meseret Defar, Sentayehu Ejigu and Sule Utura will all be in contention to make the rostrum. British trio of Jo Pavey, Julia Bleasdale and Barbara Parker are not considered likely to challenge for medals, but with a patriotic crowd behind them, stranger things have happened.
Sally
Kipyego
Julie Culley finished in first place at the US Olympic trials and will offer the only challenge form America or Europe. The Kenyans have this one sewn up and of that extraordiary group, Vivian Cheruiyot looks like the one to beat.
Julie
Culley
By Hugo Mc Cafferty
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