Ailing Nyirarukundo finishes 13th in 5000m in Poland

1. Kalikdan Fentie (Eth) 14:29:642. Emmaculate Chepkirui (Ken) 15:31:123. Bontu Rebitu (BRN) 15:31:934. Mercyline Chelangat (Uga) 15:34:095. Yitayish Mekonene (Eth) 15:34:3713. Salome Nyirarukundo (Rwa) 15:57:68 A day before the race, she was doubtful to compete but Rwanda’s Salome Nyirarukundo somehow defied illness and odds to finish 13th in the girls’ 5000m final on her debut at the IAAF World Junior Athletics Championships that ends today in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The 19-year-old fell ill with high fever and cough on Wednesday, which was attributed to a severely cold weather but managed to make a quick recovery to compete at Zawisza Stadium on Saturday. The Rio Olympics-bound athlete clocked 15:57:68 in a race that attracted a total of 18 competitors from 12 countries, and was won by Ethiopian Kalikdan Fentie, who crossed the finish line in a time of 14:29:64. Kenyan Immaculate Chepkirui claimed the silver medal after clocking 15:31:12 while Bontu Rebitu from Bahrain took bronze after posting 15:31:93. Rwanda fielded five athletes at the six-day biennial international event but none of the four, who have completed their races, has managed a podium finish. The duo of James Sugira (1500m) and Honorine Iribagiza (800m) failed to make it in their respective heats on Tuesday while Jean Marie Vianney Mysairo only finished 11th in the men’s 10,000m final. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Ailing Nyirarukundo finishes 13th in 5000m in Poland