That was one of the greatest pieces of distance running I have EVER seen. You stated that Craig Mottram was slow to respond. My view is that once Bekele started sprinpting after passing 2km in 5:02.7; it was all over for first place. Mottram saw what was happening but just couldn't do a damn thing about it. He couldn't turn his legs over fast enough to respond. 

Kenesse Bekele ripped off the final kilometre in 2:23.99 and the Aussie was left for dead. Mottram came off the track looking completely shell-shocked. He appeared to be in a daze. He ran a 7:35 and was just blow off the track. I don't think he was expecting two 58's plus a last 200m in 27 in the final third of the race. No one was expecting it except Bekele.

I fear that Mottram's followers have been crowing just a bit too much about him. His enthusastic following reminds me of the days of Steve Prefontaine in early 1970's - when 'GO PRE' became a buzz term among distance running buffs in the USA. (Don't know if you are old enough to remember that!).

In those days, some Americans really thought that Eugene, Oregon was the distance running capital of the world and that Pre was the greatest thing ever at 5000 metres. He learned a sharp lesson in Munich (1972) when he was cut down by Viren, Gammoudi and Ian Stewart in the last 3 laps of the final in the 5000m.

Tragically, Pre died in a car accident 1975 before he was really able to get into full stride; but the myth was so large that two movies were made about him - by far the best one starred Billy Crudup as Pre and used actual footage from Munich spliced into the script. (Note: the actor playing Ian Stewart had a broad Scottish accent!  Some dubious historical background work there, I suspect!)

Anyway, no more doubts about Bekele after the world cross champs. He is the GOODS; he IS Superman!! Craig Mottram must go away and re-plan for Osaka now. The memory of the way he was just blown off the track at Sheffield yesterday will haunt him however, I suspect.

And perhaps his rabid Aussie fans will be cool down a bit now.

Shame that Eurosport was unable to show us the men's 1500m where Baddeley made a major breakthrough in 3:34.7, beating a tough field, including Lagat. I'd have liked to have seen that. The chilly weather ruined the sprinting, and I suspect that we will not see Powell v Gay at 100m anywhere until Osaka (if they both get there fit and ready). No promoters can afford them both in the same race!

First time I have seen 'Blade Runner' (Oscar Pistorius) in action, but he was not too impressive at 47.5 and last place in the 400m. Seems that Jeremy Wariner just pulled up after his blocks maybe slipped - He stumbled and then came to a halt. Don't think he relished the weather, and was glad to get off the track. He may be suspect in this area; even though Martin G keeps raving on about him.

David Cocksedge 
Pattaya, Thailand

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