Spectators expect Mahiedine Mekhissi Benabbad to run faster in 3000m Steeplechase - Athletics News
With the confirmation of Mahiedine Mekhissi Benabbad’s participation in the 3000m Steeplechase at the much awaited Samsung Diamond League ExxonMobil Bislett Games, spectators of the event are rather right in developing high expectations for observing a real battle in the event.
Mekhissi, the French track and field athlete who specialises in the 3000m run, primarily belongs to Algeria.
The European champion, Mekhissi, is being backed by many for making an emphatic finish in the race. His stamina under the challenging weather conditions, have given birth to the speculation that the European record, made by Bob Tahri, his countryman, is under real threat this season. Tahri’s record stands at 8:01.13 minutes, while Mekhissi relishes having a personal best of 8:02.52 minutes.
Provided with conducive weather and track conditions, Mekhissi feels that he can not only claim the European record, but he also has a good chance of displaying an under eight minute performance, something, which has so far only been marked by Brahim Boulami from Morocco.
In order to help the French runner make for his pace, Zerrifi, his training partner will facilitate him in building up momentum. Once all set on the track, he may seek help in pushing his pace by Haron Langat, the Kenyan runner.
With such a keen level of preparation and determination to claim the European title, the run will certainly be an entertaining watch for spectators, regardless of the fact whether the 26-year-old sets a new record or not.
Mekhissi does not have any prominent rival for the meet, but Olympic and world champion, Brimin Kipruto, may give him a tough time on the track.
Another formidable runner that may help in setting up and maintaining the pace in the run is steeplechaser, Paul Koech. Koech, also a Kenyan and Olympic silver medalist, has already had the privilege of finishing under 8 minutes on many occasions. While running in the present meet, he will be looking forward to surpass the long standing stadium record of 8.03.36 minutes. The still in place record was made by Moses Kiptanui in 1995.
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