byAlfonz JuckEthiopia’s Getnet Wale records a huge 7.24.98, missing the 3000m world indoor record by a mere 0.08.#WorldIndoorTour pic.twitter.com/uqb6SUQywo
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) February 9, 2021
Getnet Wale just went 3000m, now it is time to race the 1,500m!
Wale goes for 1500 m
LIEVIN (FRA): Steeple specialist Getnet Wale would not necessarily have been favourite to win the superfast 3000 m on Tuesday evening, writes Mel Watman in Athletics International. His previous best was 7:32.80. The pace was super-fast throughout with 400m segments of 59.45, 61.43, 60.20, 59.32, 60.71 and 59.71 prior to a 55.90 (!) and final 200m in 28.26. The kilometres were covered in 2:31.05, 2:30.06 and an astonishing 2:23.87 for the sparkling time of 7:24.98. In his record Komen’s splits were 2:27.0, 2:33.0 and 2:24.90. Wale is only 20 and until now was best known as a steeplechaser whose best time of 8:05.21 came when placing fourth in the 2019 World Champs. After pacemaker Vincent Keter dropped out at 2000m, Girma led, then it was Barega with 600m to go, only for Girma to take over before pulling aside to let Wale through for his terrific finish. “They miscalculated the action in the last lap, that is why they did not break the record,” said their agent Hussein Makke. Girma and Wale will run 1500 m on Sunday in Val de Reuil, Barega will be saved for Torun Copernicus Cup 1500 m.
