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Athlétisme - Mondiaux Budapest 2023

 

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Après un début de course assez lent, chaleur oblige, le rythme s'est accéléré après le 30e km.

 Plus solides que les autres, le duo Kiplangat et Gebresilase s'échappe un peu plus loin au moment où le tenant du titre, Tamirat Tola, lâchait prise.

Quatre kilomètres plus loin, l'Ougandais, vainqueur des Jeux du Commonwealth l'année dernière, qui possède un record personnel en 2h05'09, accélérait avec facilité, et s'en allait chercher son premier titre mondial.

Il s'impose avec 19'' d'avance sur Teferi, auteur d'une fin de course incroyable, qui vient coiffer Gebresilase sur la ligne.

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Le podium

1 Victor KIPLANGAT 2:08:53 🇺🇬

2 Maru TEFERI 2:09:12 SB 🇮🇱

3 Leul GEBRESILASE 2:09:19 🇪🇹

Le classement complet ICI

 

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La réaction du vainqueur

"This has been my dream and it has come true at last. Last year I was Commonwealth Games champion and that made me think this year I must become world champion. Now my prayers have been answered and hopefully next year in Paris I will become Olympic champion too.

It was hard today because it was so hot but I felt comfortable because I prepared well for this weather. I knew it was possible because I had trained well. It was a dream and a mission and I did it today.

When I reached 30km I knew I felt strong and decided to push. I had great energy and that allowed me to go. Then at 35km I could surge again. That was always my plan and I managed to do it. The pace was high but I had more to give.

It was tough but I always felt I had the power. I know the Ethiopian was close but I was sure it was my day. This is my happy moment. God has given me springs, he has given me opportunities and now I am a world champion.

Back home they will be celebrating this victory. My wife and my children, my fans and my whole nation will be proud of me and this gold medal.

I need to thank Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda's Olympic 10,000m champion). He has given me a lot of motivation and inspired me with his performances. But I am so grateful as well for his advice and guidance. Without that I couldn't have won today."

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