EILISH McCOLGAN knows Qatar well, her mother Liz’s decision to relocate here five years ago providing her daughter with a familiarity with the desert kingdom from Christmas parties and training trips.
In the 5,000 metres final last night, the 28-year-old made herself right at home at the front of the field, willing herself more in hope than expectation of a medal, but trusting that it would be worth a bet placed on herself.
Her supremacy, inevitably, could not last. Once the heat was truly turned up, her pugnacious challenge quickly evaporated and she was compelled to settle for 10th place in her quickest time yet of 14:46.17. It was not enough, she felt as she was further behind than she wanted from Hellen Obiri, who defended her title with a championship record of 14:26.72.
Into silver surged her fellow Kenyan Margaret Kibkemboi with Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen rewarded with bronze for a courageous chase.
McColgan had designs in moving into second spot in the all-time UK rankings and lowering her Scottish record was not enough to satisfy her.
“I had in my mind that I wanted to run lower 14:40s and I just sneaked in,” she said. “All year I’ve had Jo Pavey’s time of 14:39 in mind and I knew from training that I’ve been in good shape. It’s not easy going out and setting the pace for everyone. I knew I wanted a quick race but in order to do that, and get a personal best, I was going to have to take it on.
“That’s obviously daunting at a world championships, going to the front. You are a sitting duck. I was waiting for Obiri to come past. I’m a little disappointed because I feel there is more there. But it’s still a Scottish record. It’s frustrating I couldn’t sneak into the top eight. Tenth feels a little disappointing.”
Two Britons will contest the women’s long jump final, with 2015 silver medallist Shara Proctor joining Abigail Irozuru who leapt 6.70m to qualify with ease. The Mancunian has relished a remarkable renaissance, having retired from athletics three years ago following two Achilles’ tears and three surgeries.
Now 29, she employed the aptitude honed from a law degree to set up her own business. Belatedly, jumping felt like an itch that needed a scratch. The entrepreneur has been compelled to juggle, but it has been worth keeping all those balls in the air.
“I am now into a world final,” Irozuru said. “And I guess this is what I wanted at the start of the year, what I wanted since coming back to compete against the best in the world. I am here and I am one of the best in the world and that is a crazy thing to say.”
Meanwhile, Joe Kovacs of the USA threw 22.91m to win the men’s shot, while Venezuela’s Yulimar Rojas won the women’s triple jump with a leap of 15.37m.
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