Infeld stuns for 10,000m bronze, Fraser-Pryce wins third 100m gold
After several years of injury and setbacks, USA's Emily Infeld found herself on the podium of the women's 10,000-meter run at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing on Monday.
Infeld finished in third place behind Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya (31:41.31) and Ethiopia's Gelete Burka (31:41.77) for a bronze medal. 2012 Olympian Molly Huddle took fourth and 2008 Olympic medalist Shalane Flanagan finished sixth in her return to the Bird's Nest.
Going into the bell lap, three Americans, three Kenyans and two Ethiopians found themselves together in contention for medals. With less than 10 meters to go, U.S. 5,000-meter record holder Molly Huddle extended her arms in celebration before Infeld dipped at the finish line for third place over her compatriot.
"I didn't think I had a chance to medal and it just kind of happened," Infeld told reporters after the race. The only thing I feel guilty about is that I know Molly let up and I don't think she knew I was there. I hate to take a medal away from a teammate and fellow American. She's amazing and phenomenal, but I don't know, I'm really happy. I'm so happy that happened and I can't really believe it."
[youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v5GKFUYkwA]
Cheruiyot collected her second world championship gold medal at the distance just two years after giving birth and returning to the sport.
Infled's struggled to stay healthy and train over the last two years due to stress fractures. Infeld turned professional after a successful NCAA career at Georgetown, where she won a 3,000 indoor title and several runner-up finishes in NCAA cross country, outdoor 1500 and 5,000. She joined coach Jerry Schumacher’s Bowerman Track Club in the fall of 2012 to train with Flanagan. Infled's bronze medal puts a cap on a year where she has stayed healthy and set personal bests in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter distances.
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Women's 100-meter dash: Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won her sixth world championship gold medal by taking the 100-meter dash title in 10.76 from a fast-closing DafneSchippers of the Netherlands, who finished in a national record of 10.86 for silver. American Tori Bowie, who was a long jumper just 18 months ago, ran 10.81 for bronze. Fraser-Pryce, much like Bolt, won her third gold-medal at the distance.
"I have to be content with what just happened, next time I'll be more prepared. I enjoyed every moment," Bowie told Eurosport after the race. "We'll see what happens. I'm still new to the sprints."
Schippers, previously committed to the heptathlon in the last few years, will return to the track for the women's 200-meter run.
Men's 3,000-meter steeplechase: Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi continued his dominance at the global championship stage as he won the men's 3,000-steeplechase with a blistering kick in the final lap. Four Kenyans took off with less than 400-meters remaining to drop American Evan Jager, who was considered a serious medal threat to Kenyan dominance. Kenya went on to sweep the top four spots as Jager finished sixth behind training partner Daniel Huling.
When asked who was the greatest distance runner from Kenya, Kemboi jokingly told reporter that it was him. Kemboi has solid credentials to back his claim with victories at the 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015 world championships to go along with his Olympic gold medals from Athens and London.
Women's 3,000-meter steeplechase: Stephanie Garcia, Colleen Quigley and Emma Coburn of the United States advanced to the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase final. This marks the first time in world championship history that the U.S. has advanced three women to the final of the event. HiwotAyalew of Ethiopia posted the fastest time of the semifinal with her 9:25.55.
Men's pole vault: Olympic champion Renaud Lavillenie of France failed to win gold at the world championships yet again as he tied for third with Piotr Lisek and Paweł Wojciechowski of Poland. Collegian Shawn Barber of Canada took gold with his 5.90-meter clearance on his first attempt. He did not miss at his four attempt from 5.60 to 5.90 meters.
Women's triple jump: Colombia's Caterine Ibarguen defended her world triple jump title from 2013 with a 14.90-meter mark.
Women's 400-meter run: 200-meter Olympic champion Allyson Felix easily advanced in her step up in distance on the world championship stage. She won her section with a comfortable 50.60 time in the first section of heats. Fellow Americans Natasha Hastings and Phyllis Francis also advanced to the semifinals.
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Men's 400-meter run: A rematch between Olympic champion Kirani James of Granada and 2013 world champion LaShawn Merritt is set after both men advanced to the final on Wednesday. No other American advanced, which means the United States will not be able to repeat its gold and silver medal feat from 2013.
Women's 400-meter hurdles: Defending World champion Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic was the fastest qualifier into Wednesday’s 400-meter hurdles final with her 54.24. The United States will be represented in the final by Cassandra Tate and NCAA champion Shamier Little, who holds fastest time in the world for 2015.
