Blow for Kenya as Manangoi bows out of 1500m finals

World Silver medalist Elijah Manangoi will not feature in Friday’s 1,500M Olympics semi-finals in Rio after sustaining a hamstring injury, Citizen Digital has learnt.

Manangoi, who finished second in the second Heat in 3:46.83 to qualify for the finals, tore his hamstring in the race and has now failed to recover in time for the finals.

In an emotional statement on his Facebook account, Managoi has confirmed the unfortunate exit, and in the process wished success to the remaining Kenyans in the race , Asbel Kiprop and Richard Kwemoi, a triumphant outing.

“Lord, I give you honor for your tremendous blessings, am not going to get the result as planned in the 1500m, but I will continue to trust in you,” he poured out.

“Sometimes things are just unexplainable. I have prepared well, I am in great shape, but failed at getting the job done, but I will keep the fight for great things are in store.”

Commenting on the situation, his Coach Bernard Ouma said he was sad to see Manangoi exit, adding that he was otherwise certain he would bag the country a medal.

“I had prepared him well and he was in good shape and it’s a pity he is not going to take part in the race at all,” he regretted.

Ouma blamed the technical team and the medical team, faulting them for the little attention they give their athletics stars.

“Soft tissue injuries caused by sprains, strains or pulls like hamstring can should easily be noticed by a coach well in advance. You need to understand why athletes like Bolt are under constant supervision. Let’s give our athletes value for their patriotism by practicing and applying the required coaching standards,” he added.

“He is not a sprinter so to see him pick up a third degree hamstring injury is utterly careless from them.”

Manangoi’s agent, Vincent Mumo came out to offer his support shortly after the announcement.

“I would like to tell Manangoi to hold on and not to lose faith. In the world of sports anything can happen; even Ezekiel Kemboi saw his medal snatched right from his own neck.”

He reminded that the lad still has a lot potential and talent in his tank saying tha with the London championships slated for next year, focus should now shift to that.

Three-time world champion Kiprop remains the favorite in the race despite the blow that has shattered all hope for an all-Kenyan podium sweep.

The reckless nature in which Kenyan athletes have been treated right from the travel arrangements to their fitness has evidently been translated through injuries to other athletes that include Maureen Chelagat, Mike Mokamba and Nicholas Bett who have all suffered injuries while in Rio.

Tags:

Elijah Manangoi Rio Olympics Asbel Kiprop Rio 2016 1500m finals Richard Kwemoi

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