by Larry Eder
Kerron Clement, photo by PhotoRun.net
Kerron Clement had won World Champs in 2007 and 2009. Now, in 2016, Kerron Clement adds an Olympic title to his medals. In a fine race, werehe three of the top five set NRs, Kerron Clement held off a fine field, running 47.73! Here’s the race story!
Kerron Clement Just Holds off Boniface Tumuti
First, there was a DQ of Javier Culson. The race is off and Haron Koech and Boniface Tumuli, the two Kenyans no one thought about in the final (hint: this is Kenya’s next event, baby), were churning up the track. Kerron Clement was keying off Insert Whyte. As they hit the eighth hurdle, it was a real race, as five men in contention. As Kerron Clement has been doing this Olympics, he saves a bit for the last two hurdles. Boniface Tumuti gets by Thomas Barr (NR 47.97, Ireland, fourth), then, Yasmain Copello (bronze, 47.92, NR, Turkey), and chases Kerron Clement. Clement leans and wins, 47.73, with Boniface Tumuti, KEN taking the silver, in 47.78 NR !
Kerron Clement is one of the most talented athletes in this event. He should own the gold medal and WR. But, in 2016, he held himself together and won the gold medal against five worthy adversaries. Give the Kenyans a couple more years, though, and they will sweep this event!
Felt bad for Javier Culson, with his DQ. But respect for Yasmani Copello, Turkya nd Thomas Barr, Ireland. Barr has set two PBs and NRs in the 400 meter hurdles. This guy can medal in WC and Olympics. Barr did Ireland proud. The top five ran faster than the World leader in 2016. Three NRs in the final!
Wow! A 400 meter hurdle race that lives up to the hype and history. This event is the hardest on the track. Run 400 meters all out and then add ten hurdles, what sadist did that?
Well, a great 400m hurdler is world class over 400 meters and 800 meters. They are the pole vaulters of the track, a bit eccentric and total guts.
Congrats Kerron Clement! ‪#‎rio2016‬
