Beijing T&F - Day 3

It's a big day. I have to admit I a getting dizzy trying to analyze the women's Marathon. I will open up an thread for prediction.

Women’s 3,000 M Final

The long-legged Zemzem Ahmed set a Personal Best to make it to the finals. Zemzem Personal Best and Season Best ranks 12th among the 15 runners. She would have to set another personal best to have a good showing. This event is going to be a battle between three Russians including world record holder Gulnara Samitova-Galkina and two Kenyans. Zemzem somehow has to squeeze her way somehow. This is a lot to ask from someone who started competing internationally just last year. In additions, Zemzem will be running one full-day of rest after setting a personal best. Although Zemzem is a very long shot to medal it’s not impossible for her to do so. Earlier this year she came in second at the Athens Grand Prix beating five of the runners in the finals including Ruth Bisibori of Kenya.

Mid-pack finish will be great. I would be elated with a 4th-6th place finish.

Men’s 1,500 M Semi-Final

There is not much to say here. Mulugeta Wendimu barely made it into the semi-finals and Deresse Mekonnen was not much better. The 1,500 M is one of the most tactical races while at the same time physically draining. For Ethiopia to have two runners among the 12 finalist would be a huge accomplishment. Talentwise there will be nothing preventing these two from making it into the finials. The only questions is: are they going to step up to the challenge?

Look for on of the two to be in the finals.