Belgian long-distance runner Isaac Kimeli is set to compete in the 5,000 m athletics final on Saturday following a disappointing performance in the Olympics' 10,000 m finale. A second Belgian runner, John Heymans, previously qualified for the same final.
"I was feeling fit," the 30-year-old revealed after qualifying. "The 10,000 m outcome is a shame. It happened quickly and I didn't get a chance to prove myself. But I quickly recovered, possibly due to my slower pace run in the 10,000 m. By Saturday, I felt as though I hadn't run at all. If you're fit, recovery is easier," Kimeli commented.
Just like Heymans in the initial round, Kimeli came third. "When I saw John came third, I thought 'we are going to make Belgium known today. John came third, so I will also be third,'" Kimeli joked.
On Saturday evening, the French stadium will host two Belgians in the 5,000m finale, an unprecedented occurrence. "The important thing now is for me to recuperate, with an ice bath and massage," Kimeli noted.
"The finale will be very tough. I have nothing to lose. My aim was to run the finale, and who knows if it will turn out like today? We will see," he added.
