Ath: Ethiopia's Defar powers to women's 5,000 metres gold

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2004
Ath: Ethiopia's Defar powers to women's 5,000 metres gold

ATHENS, Aug 23 AFP - Ethiopia's Meserat Defar turned on the power over the final 250
metres of the Olympic Games women's 5000m to take gold in 14 minutes 45.65sec.

Kenya's Isabella Ochichi took the lead four laps from home, as she and Defar conducted
their own private battle for the title, but could not resist the kick of her Rift Valley
rival and had to settle for second in 14:48.19.

Reigning world champion Tirunesh Dibaba, a compatriot, close friend and training partner
of the winner, came through strongly over the final 600m to grab the bronze medal with
14:51.83.

Ireland's Sonia O'Sullivan, in what could be her last track race, finished a disconsolate
14th and last.

O'Sullivan, the Sydney Olympics 5,000m silver medallist at the distance, was lapped
by the leading pair and finished nearly two minutes adrift.

AFP sp

KEYWORD: OLY ATH 5000

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