Semenya shines as Kenyans dominate

Doha: Controversial athlete Caster Semenya threw her off-field worries behind to effortlessly win the women’s 800m at the opening leg of the Diamond League as Doha hosted the event for the 10th successive year.

Yesterday at the Khalifa International Stadium, the venue which will host the World Championships in September, the South African had a staggering performance in perhaps her final race at 800m.

The double Olympic and three-time world champion did what she always does, slipping effortlessly on to the shoulder of her pacemaker before stretching out her rivals and then, halfway through the second lap, blasting them out of sight. The pace was a quick 56.66sec through 400m, with only Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba having the speed to go with Semenya.

Yet she too was left flailing as the South African picked up speed to win by about 20 metres.

It was Semenya’s 30th consecutive victory over 800m - and one of her most dominant. The 28-year-old’s finishing time of 1 min 54.98 was the third fastest of her career and the 14th quickest of all time.

Semenya celebrated by throwing her flowers into the crowd before posing for photographs with a big thumbs-up and smile. After all she has gone through this week, having lost her tribunal case at the court of arbitration for sport, it was reassuring to see her happy again.

Yesterday’s win could be her last over 800m before new IAAF rules governing testosterone levels come into operation on May 8.

“I’m excited winning here in Doha. The first race of the season is tough and you may not be able to predict how your body is going to respond to the push but the weather is great and it was wonderful tonight,” Semenya said after yesterday’s win.

“For me, I believe nothing is hard in life because it is up to you how you take life. As an athlete, I believe in sportsmanship and what sports teaches you is to keep pushing on despite all odds. I know life could be difficult at times but I’m a believer and I believe there is always a way to resolve issues.

“One of my firm beliefs is that there is always a way out for everything. So if a wall is placed in front of me, I jump it. I’m going to keep enjoying my life and live it. I will keep on training and running. To me, impossibility is nothing,” Semenya said.

Earlier, Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith started her 2019 campaign in impressive style by destroying a decent field in 22.26. Asher-Smith, who was the fastest woman over 200m last year, was far clear of second-placed Jamile Samuel who came home in 22.90. 

Botswana’s Nijel Amos (third right) on his way to win the men’s 800m as Qatar’s Abdalla Abubaker Haydar (third right) and Kenya’s Emmanuel Kipkurui Korir (second right) vie for a top three finish yesterday.

“I didn’t know what to expect in my first race of the season but I ran faster than I thought I would so I’m really happy. I ran a good race technically and this is a beautiful arena, I’m so glad I came here,” said Dina.

“To win in this stadium means a lot to me and it was nice to test out the arena and the track before the IAAF World Championships. There was a great championship atmosphere here and my aim is to come back here healthy and just a to do my best. Tonight, I didn’t expect to win in that way against such an accomplished field so it’s a good sign but the season is only just beginning.” 

Meanwhile, Caterine Ibarguen made her mark by winning the women’s long jump. 

Turkey’s Ramil Guliyev celebrates after winning the men’s 200m.

In the men’s 200m, Turkey’s of Ramil Guliyev blazed his way to the finish line with a time of 19.99 ahead of Alex Quinonez (ECU) 20.19 and Aaron Brown (CAN) 20.20.

“I feel good opening the season with 19.99. It means my training is paying off and I hope to improve on it as the season progresses. We’ve had a long summer and most of my trainings have been indoors. So winning my first outdoor event of the year with the time posted is good,” said Ramil.

The biggest performances of the day came from the 17-year-old Ukrainian Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who became the youngest ever woman to win a Diamond League event, clearing 1.96m to tie the under-17 record. 

Another surprise winner turned out to be El Bakkala Soufiane of Morocco who won the 3,000m men’s Steeplechase with a fabulous performance.

Qatar’s Moaaz Mohamed Ibrahim in action during the men’s discus throw.

While it was a big night for Daniel Stahl, who won the men’s discuss with an incredible 70.56m throw.

Botswana’s Nijel Amos won the men’s 800m in 1:44.29 ahead of Kenya’s Emmanuel Kipkurui Korir and Brazier Donavan (USA)  who finished second and third respectively. Qatar’s Abdalla Abubaker Haydar, who enjoyed the Asian Athletics Championships gold few days ago at the same venue, finished fourth in 1:44.82.

In the men’s 1,500m Elijah Motonei Manangoi from Kenya took the first place. 

In fact, the top 7 finishers all came from Kenya.