Rudisha finishes behind Aman at Zurich Diamond League

David Rudisha and Mohammed Aman at the Zurich Samsung Diamond League 

World 800m champion and record holder David Rudisha was stunned by Ethiopian teenager Mohammed Aman who clocked 1:42:53 to claim the 800m title in the 2012 Zurich Samsung Diamond League held at the Letzigrund Stadium on Thursday.

This was the second time Rudisha lost to Aman in wet weather, having lost to him in Rome last year in the same condition. Rudisha posted a time of 1:42.81 ahead of fellow compatriot Leonard Konsencha who finished in 1:44.29.

In the 1500m women, Mercy Cherono finished second in 4:06.42 behind Ethiopia’s Abeba Aregawi who won in 4:05.29. Third place went to United States’ Shanon Rowbury (4:07.14) while Viola Kibiwot finished came fourth in 4:07.27. 

In the 3000m women steeplechase, Milcah Chemos failed to defend her title. Ethiopia’s Sofia Assefa crossed the finish line in a new meet time of 9:21.32 ahead of compatriots Etenesh Diro (9:24.97) and Hiwot Ayalew (9:26.99). Kenya’s Hyvin Kiyeng (9:29.70) and Lydia Chepkirui came in fourth and fifth.

In the men 100m, Jamaica’s Yohan Blake continued his remarkable run in the Diamond League setting a new meet record of 9.76 ahead of Nesta Carter (9.95) and Ryan Bailey (9.97). The evening saw United States’ Tyson Gay disqualified for a false start.  

In the men 200m, the world fastest man Usain Bolt stormed to an easy victory in 19.66 ahead of compatriots Nickel Ashmeade (19.85) and Jason Young.

Kenya is also represented in the men’s 5000m and javelin by debutant Julius Yego, which are coming up..

Photo courtesy of iaaf.org