Other News
Olivier wins gold in Beijing─── 08:31 Thu, 22 May 2014
South African middle-distance runner André Olivier won the gold as his dominated the two-lap 800m race at the Beijing World Challenge in China.
The South African sat back and allowed former world youth champion Leonard Kosencha of Kenya, who eventually faded to last place, take up the hard work on the second lap after pace-maker Eliud Rutto dropped out at the bell.
Olivier surged ahead with 80 metres remaining and left his opponents to fight for second place as he cruised to victory in 1 minute 44.88 seconds.
It was the first win by a South African in a major international league meeting on the outdoor circuit this season.
Erik Sowinski of the United States was nearly a second slower in taking the silver in a time of 1 minute 45.68 seconds while Edwin Meli of Kenya was a further 0.19 seconds back in third.
- SAPA.
