By David Monti

On the first day of the athletics competition at the 9th African Games in Algiers, Meseret Defar took the gold medal in the 5000m, crossing the finish line in 15:02.72, a Games record. Her teammate Meselech Melkamu finished second in 15:03.86, while Kenya’s Silvia Kibet took the bronze in 15:06.39.

“It was not very difficult today, because I didn’t run alone,” said Defar referring to the help she received from her compatriots who helped her control the pace.

Defar was the leader at the first kilometer (2:57.95), then traded the lead with Melkamu and the third Ethiopian in the race, Ayano Workitu. Workitu fell back at 3600m, but Melkamu was still running strong, staying with Defar. The three medalists were still in contention for the win with 200m to go when Defar launched two attacks to seal her victory. The first dropped Kibet, and the second Melkamu.

In today’s other final, Willy Komen of Kenya won the men’s 3000m steeplechase in 8:15.11, over compatriot and reigning Olympic gold medalist, Ezekiel Kemboi (8:16.93). Nahom Mesfin of Ethiopia finished third in 8:17.21.

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