Ken Goe's article reveals Niyonsaba got malaria while training with the OTC in South Africa this winter but somehow still managed to win world indoors. The OTC refused comment on the new hyperandrogenism rules.
Some great matchups include a re-run of the women's Olympic 800 final, Laura Muir vs Faith Kipyegon in the 1500, Ruth Jebet vs Hyvin Kiyeng and Emma Coburn in the steeple and a deep men's 5K.
After running a season's best 1:57.47 in Monaco (where she was 3rd behind Semenya and Francine Niyonsaba) Sum says her training is going well and her goal is gold in Rio.
A Semenya-less 800 will see Francine Niyonsaba take on Ajee Wilson and Lynsey Sharp. Jairus Birech vs Conseslus Kipruto in the steeple, Vivian Cheruiyot and Mercy Cherono in the 5K. Non-distance action includes Ameer Webb taking on Trayvon Bromell and Andre De Grasse in the 200, Kirani James (400) and Greg Rutherford (LJ).
Ayana's challengers include silver medalist Senbere Teferi and Mercy Cherono. Jairus Birech will face Paul Kipsiele Koech, Conseslus Kipruto and Mahiedine Mekhissi in the steeple while the women's 800 has World indoor champ Francine Niyonsaba and Eunice Sum.
World 1500m silver medallist Faith Kipyegon was 2nd (1:58.02) and world 800 champion Marina Arzamasova 4th (1:58.93). Other distance winners included Taoufik Makhloufi in the 1500 (3:35.53), Adam Kszczot in the 800 (1:44.82), Hillary Mayo Kipkorir in the 3000 (7:45.35) and Gudaf Tsegay over Canada's Fiona Benson in a close 1500 (4:05.17 to 4:05.24). In sprint action, Qatar’s Femi Ogunode won the 100 in 9.93 and said, “It’s a good track. Unfortunately I hurt my hamstring before the World Championships in Bejjing. I have respect for Bolt and Gatlin but I know that I can beat them. I am the future of sprinting.” *Full Results
Taoufik Makhloufi vs Robert Biwott in the 1500, World champ Marina Arzamasova vs silver medalist Melissa Bishop, 1500 silver medalist Faith Kipyegon and Burundi’s Francine Nyonsaba in the 800 and Adam Kszcot vs Qatar's Musaeb Abdulman Balla in the men's 800.
She ran 10.98 into a head-wind as Sheila Reid had a great performance to win the 1500 in 4:06.97 with Mercy Cherono 3rd (4:07.40). Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba took almost six seconds off her PB SB to win the 800 in 1:59.62, beating Canada's Fiona Benson as Burundi's Antoine Gakeme won the men's race in 1:46.33 (world 1500 bronze medalist Abdalaati Iguider was 3rd - 1:46.67; Robby Andrews 7th). Italian record-holder Gianmarco Tamberi won the HJ in 2.30m. *Full Results