ACOG - News - IBM

(3 August 1996; Day 15)

African Distance Dominance Overwhelming

No continent has dominated any area of athletics like Africa has done in the distance events over the past eight Olympic Games. The era began in 1968 in Mexico City, with Africa-based runners winning every distance event from the 800m to the marathon.

Many believed that the successes in Mexico City were an anomaly, since the high altitude and hot weather conditions simulated those that the African athletes lived and trained in. But since then, runners from the continent have continued to hold sway in international athletics to the extent that they hold every world record from the 1500m to the marathon.

In the eight Olympic Games held from 1968 to 1996, of the 144 medals available in events from the 800m to the marathon, Africans have won 59 of them, including 21 gold medals. That total includes the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games, when Kenya, clearly the dominant distance running country with 26 of Africa's medals to date, boycotted and did not send multiple world record holder Henry RONO, plus others in its stable.

The most impressive events have been the 10,000m and the steeplechase. Africans have taken 16 of the 24 medals in the 10,000 since 1968. This year, behind winner Haile GEBRSELASSIE (ETH), runners from the continent took not only the silver and bronze, but also the next five places, and 10 of 17 finishing spots.

Almost as dominant has been the steeplechase, with Africans grabbing 14 of 24 medals. Kenya has been the force here, with steeplers from that country winning every title since 1968 except in the boycott years of 1976 and 1980. Joseph KETER (KEN) kept the tradition alive in Atlanta, outkicking world record holder and countryman Moses KIPTANUI for the gold medal last night. The 5000m is another strong event, with Africans winning gold from 1980 to 1988, and again tonight as Burundi's Venuste NIYONGABO used a strong finish to triumph.

Less overwhelming have been the 800 and 1500m, and, surprisingly, the marathon, where Ethiopia won three straight championships from 1960 to 1968. Africa has taken seven medals in the 800m since 1968, and just two gold medals. There has been an Olympic championship drought in the marathon since Mamo WOLDE's (ETH) 1968 title, and only four medals heading into tomorrow morning's final in Atlanta. Noureddine MORCELI (ALG) easily controlled this evening's 1500m race, with Kenya's Stephen KIPKORIR reeling in the bronze medal, suggesting that dominance in this race may lie ahead.

Don't expect any dropoff in the distance running power, with Africans winning 12 of 15 medals in Atlanta, including gold medals in the steeplechase, 1500, 5000 and 10,000 meters.

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Brett Ayers.


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