Bashir Abdi and Abdi Nageeye ran through the humid streets in Sapporo, Japan, with Lawrence Cherono and Ayaad Lamdaassem. When Eliud Kipchoge broke the race open between 30-35k, the pack broke up. The chasing pack was Bashir Abid, Abdi Nageeye, Lawrence Cherono and Ayaad Lamdassem. From 30k to 41, they were all together. in the heat and humidity of Sapporo.
Wtih 1k to go, Ayaad Lamdassen dropped back. It was down to three fighting for two medals. Lawrence Cherono, champion of Boston and Chicago, began a move, but was quickly caught by Abdi Nageeye. Those who watched the Tokyo Olympic Games had to be taken in by Abdi Nageeye, who cajoled Bashir Abdi to sprint past Lawrence Cherono to take the bronze medal as Abdi Nageeye took the the silver. In all of my years of observing marathons, I had never seen such a selfless act by two marathoners.
Bashir Abdi, photo courtesy of NN Running team
Bashir and Abdi were training partners, and that story was announced by the TV broadcasters.
Less than three months after the Tokyo Olympics, Bashir Abdi of Belgium runs a fast one. A real fast one, as his brilliant 2:03.36 gives him victory at the 40th NN Rotterdam Marathon.
It also gives him a new European record.
The post below, from EME News, tells the story.
Congrats Bashir!
Abdi 2:03:36 ER
ROTTERDAM (NED, Oct 24): Olympic bronze medallist Bashir Abdi from Belgium smashed the European record of 2:04:16 in the 40th NN Rotterdam Marathon, winning in 2:03:36 (61:59/61:37) for the first marathon win of his career. His time was also a course record. Kenya’s reigning champion Marius Kipserem was second in 2:04:04 (also under his previous course record of 2:04:11) with Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde third in 2:04:26. The top eight finishers all broke the 2:10-barrier. Kenya’s Stella Barsosio was the runaway winner of the women’s race in 2:22:08 (69:31/72:37) ahead of Ukraine’s Nataliya Lehonkova (2:30:28) and Kenya’s Bornes Kitur (2:30:41).
