The American won the 5,000-meter race in the World Championship in Tokyo ahead of the surprise Isaac Kimeli, Belgium, and the Frenchman Jimmy Gressier. Gressier previously won the 10,000-meter race in the World Championship.
Cole Hocker, Olympic Games gold medalist on 1,500 meters last year, was disqualified in the trials on the distance in Tokyo after pushing on the home stretch. The American got revenge on 5,000 meters which he won with almost half a second margin.
When the last lap began, I knew that it (the gold) was mine. I am the best sprinter of all, says Hocker.
Considering the disqualification on 1,500, Hocker was very focused on the longer distance.
I wanted a medal more than anything else. To take gold is fantastic.
The reigning world champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen finished in tenth place. Due to injuries, the Norwegian has not competed at all this summer.
Andreas Almgren was eliminated in the trials on 5,000 meters.
