BEIJING, (Reuters) – Kenya’s Vivian Cheruiyot won a thrilling last lap sprint to claim the women’s 10,000 metres gold medal yesterday, capping her comeback season with her second world title in the longest track event.
The 31-year-old, who took 2014 off to have a child, hit the front with 300 metres to go and powered her way to victory in 31 minutes, 41.31 seconds to reclaim the title she won as part of a 5,000-10,000 double at the 2011 world championships in Daegu.
“This is my real comeback,” she said. “I had many thoughts in my head during the race but I told myself I want to win no matter how hard it is. It is even more precious after I had my son a year ago.”
Ethiopia’s Gelete Burka stayed with Cheruiyot when the Kenyan sprinted away on the back straight but could not handle the pace in the final 100 metres and had to settle for silver in 31.41.77.
