The United States Men’s 4x800 Metres team came out on top, beating out the Kenyans, who were disqualified in one of the much-anticipated races during the IAAF/BTC World Relays Bahamas 2015.
On Saturday, May 2, the result was a surprise to the thousands of spectators who filled the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium and to the Kenyans themselves, known for their long distance prowess on the track.
The results: US won in a time of 7.04.84; Poland, second in 7:09.98, Australia third in 7:16.30, Mexico forth in 7:22.61 and Kenya, DQ.
“We are truly disappointed with the disqualification. We ran a good race, but we had a problem with the exchange zone,” said Kenyan Timothy Kitum. Added his teammate Alfred Kipketer, “We came to defend our title, but we had back luck today. We will come back strong in 2017 to get the title back.”
Duane Solomon of the US team said that his mindset coming into the race was to not do anything “crazy” to run his race. “So, I kind of ran on him and felt when he start slowly breaking down. And then I just executed my strike, my rhythm and made sure to put my team in the best position possible.”
Other US teammate Casimir Loxom said that he had such great confidence in his teammates and that it was a really great race.
“Running in front is a blessing and a curse, It’s hard to run alone, but I’d rather do that, being in the lead,” Loxom said.
Poland came in second, team member Marcin Lewandowski said he was not sure how fast they were running but knew his team did really well and was awesome. “I am really happy to be a part of this international event. Participating here in The Bahamas has been amazing. I love the energy and the atmosphere. It’s truly incredible.”
Australia came in third; Jared West said he felt pretty good even though it was windy he tried to stay with the Americans as long as he could.
“I went out there hard in the first lap and struggled in the last 100m. I was in no man’s land for most of my leg. It was windy,” West said.
The teams participating in the Men’s 4x800 Metres Final were: United States - Duane Solomon, Erik Sowinski, Casimir Loxsom, and Robby Andrews.
Poland - Karol Koneiczny, Kamil Gurdak, Marcin Lewandowski, and Adam Kszczot.
Australia - Australia represented by Jared West, Joshua Ralph, Ryan Gregson, and Jordan Williamsz.
Mexico – Bryan Martinez, Cesar Daniel Belman, Garmaliel Moctezuma, and Omar Rosles.
Kenya - Alfred Kipketer, Nicholas Kiplangat Kipkdech, Timothy Kitum and Jeremiah Kipkorir Mutai.
