For many years Kenya’s men have won gold medals at Olympics and World Championships, but until today, no Kenyan woman had ever won a gold medal. Sally Barsosio became the first with an impressive win over a tough field. Her time, 31:32.92, is a world Junior record for the 19 year-old.
In the early laps, the crowded pack moved cautiously, passing the first kilometre in 3:25.55, the slowest of the race. Japan’s Masako Chiba took turns leading with Yang Siju of China. Olympic champion Fernanda Ribeiro moved to the fore prior to the 4km mark and stayed in the lead through halfway, in 16:12.81. Barsosio, the bronze medallist from 1993, followed close behind, with Chiba and Wami in tow.
At 6km (19:24.67), Chiba led the pack of 10. On the next lap, Ribeiro took the lead again. Ethiopia’s Gete Wami, the 1996 Olympic bronze medallist, tumbled to the ground, apparently after being spiked. A lap later, the rough attrition continued, with South Africa’s Elana Meyer, the 1992 Olympic silver medallist, stepping on the heels of Yang and tripping, causing several runners to hurdle her.
Ribeiro continued to lead through 8,800m, then Barsosio made a decisive move, gradually increasing her pace and stretching the pack to its breaking point. With a 67.89 lap, Barsosio put 30 metres between herself and Ribeiro, with Chiba another 10 back. She covered the next circuit in 69.46 to build a 50m lead over Ribeiro; she lapped Meyer at the bell.
Looking back repeatedly over the last lap, Barsosio finished with a 70.34 circuit and collapsed after crossing the line. Ribeiro and Chiba both produced fine kicks, but were too far back to make a dent. Before the last runner finished, Barsosio had recovered and begun a joyous victory lap.
