Semenya finishes 13, doesn’t advance in 5,000 at worlds

Eugene, July 21 (BUS): Semenya failed to advance during the opening heat of the world championships as she finished 13th in the 5000m.

Semenya finished the 12 1/2 lap race in a scorching heat of 91° (32°C) in 15 minutes 46.12 seconds, 54 seconds ahead of the winner, Godaf Tsegae of Ethiopia.

“I think it’s great to be able to run here,” she said.

“Just being able to finish a 5K, for me, is a blessing as I’m learning and wanting to learn more.”

Her best in the race is 15:31.50, which is outside the World Championship qualification criterion. But she moved on to racing after some of the top-rated runners didn’t get in, the Associated Press reported.

“It’s very inspiring that she is putting in most of her effort and is still here competing at the global level,” said American Carissa Schweitzer, who finished fifth in the Semenya heat.

I got stuck in the middle of the first group of the 18-woman race for about three laps, and halfway through the 5,000m, I slipped back to 13th, racing in a group of three riders about 80m from the leading group.

ZHB