Gelant makes it through to 5000m final
South Africa's Elroy Gelant secured a place in the 5000m final at the IAAF World Athletics championships in Moscow, following a tactical approach to Tuesday's heat.
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA – APRIL 15: Gelant Elroy from NWU winner of the mens 3000m during the Varsity Athletics Challenge at Coetzenburg Stadium on April 15, 2013 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo by Luke Walker/Gallo Images)
“It was a bit of a sprint finish, but I managed to keep up well and I’m very happy to make the final,” said Gelant, who finished sixth in the first heat, in 13:25.07.
The 26-year-old had agreed a strategy with Germany’s Arne Gabius, Zane Robertson of New Zealand and Brett Robinson from Australia. “I knew we had to make it fast, so we agreed to share two laps each,” he said.
Gelant finished 11th overall, qualifying for the final as one of the fastest losers, while Ethiopian Muktar Edris, who won the second heat, ran the fastest time overall, clocking 13:20.82.
Gelant already had his tactics in place for Friday’s final, which, he said, was a stepping stone towards next year’s World Indoor championships and earning a place in the Commonwealth Games team. “Although it’s said anything can happen in a final, realistically I will try to stick with the top five and see if I can stay with them.
“I want to try and finish in the top eight.”
– Sapa
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