August 27 - In the space of nine hours, Kenya re-stated their case as one of the great athletic nations by taking all six medals on offer in the first two events of the IAAF World Championships here.
First they swept up the road – as Edna Kiplagat won the marathon despite falling at a water stop, and was followed home by team-mates Prisca Jeptoo and Sharon Cherop in what was the first 1-2-3 by a single nation in a World or Olympic marathon.
Then came the attack on the track, as Vivian Cheruyiot won the 10,000 metres title, and her colleagues Sally Kipyego and reigning champion Linet Masai took the other medals.
Just for good measure Priscah Cherono – Kenya had four runners thanks to Masai's automatic right to defend her title – completed a 1-2-3-4 for the East African nation.
"I am really proud of what we did today, ," said Cheruiyot after finishing in a personal best of 30min 48.98sec.
"We have achieved something extraordinary for Kenya
She only made her debut at 10,000m this year, and will defend her World 5000m title later this week.
"Of course we all watched that race this morning," Cheruiyot added.
"And we were really inspired by our marathon runners doing so exceptionally well and achieving a unique result.
"We were really so happy and impressed that we said to ourselves that we have to continue this amazing success in the evening.
"Tomorrow I will come to the stadium and cheer on our runners in the men's 10,000m final.
They can win this one as well."
Kiplagat, last November's winner in New York City, crossed the finish unchallenged in 2 hours 28min 43sec despite having fallen in a collision which also floored her compatriot Cherop, who eventually took bronze.
Source: www.insidethegames.biz
By Mike Rowbottom in Daegu