Almaz Ayana, photo by PhotoRun.net
Almaz Ayana ran 14:14.32 for the 5000 meters in May 2015 in Shanghai. She told media later that she did not know that she was so close to the WR.
On Saturday, July 4, Almaz Ayana will battle Genzebe Dibaba, who has run 14:19.76. This should be a dream race, but is it the kind of race that one can set a WR in?
The pace that has been guaranteed is a requested 68 second a lap through the 3000 meters. Dibaba and Ayana have apparently agreed to lead each other lap and then, battle it out.
The interview was an example of the level of complexity in the Paris press conferences. A translator for the Ethiopian runner would ask her questions in her native dialect, then respond to the French host in French who would then translate to us in English.
Ayana was quite sweet and spoke of her time as a steeplechaser. She wants to run fast and wants to do it in Paris as she is fond of the meeting AREVA and has won here (in 2013).
At the very end of the interview, Almaz said, in perfect English :”Thank you” and smiled.
Does she understand English?
Not sure, but her race will be most fascinating.
