VIDEO: Kenyan 800m runner celebrates early, gets passed at the last second
Poland's Adam Kszczot overtook Kenya's Kipyegon Bett, who was caught celebrating early, in the 800m at the Brussels Diamond League on Friday (photo: Memorial Van Damme).
Kenya’s Kipyegon Bett celebrated as he crossed the finish line in the men’s 800m at the Diamond League in Brussels, Belgium on Friday. Bett did not bother looking to his right, however, and failed to realize that Poland’s Adam Kszczot was 0.08 seconds ahead.
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In the final straightaway, the Kenyan had a narrow advantage over the rest of the field and looked prime to win. The Polish athlete, however, had a strong surge in the final 100m and was able to win while running out in lane three.
Oblivious to Kszczot’s late-race surge, Bett extended both of his arms out in celebration. Only when he saw the results on the big screen did he realize that the 27-year-old defeated him in a smart, tactical move. Kszczot fist pumped across the line as his momentum was enough to overtake Bett and run 1:44.36.
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In notable Canadian results, Jessica O’Connell ran one second off her personal best in the women’s 5,000m. The Calgary resident ran 15:07.72 and will race again on Sunday at the Canadian 5K championships.
?? @jess__oconnell runs 15:07.72, one second off her PB, in Brussels @Diamond_League 5000! pic.twitter.com/zak9wVQMBg
— CanadianRunning (@CanadianRunning) September 9, 2016
The Brussels Diamond League was the final stop on the elite circuit. Many runners will now be taking a rest and gearing up for cross-country or indoor track and field in the winter.
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