The six best runners advanced from each heat on 1,500 meters. Among these was Samuel Pihlström, who became fifth in his race on 3.37,25.
But on the way forward to advancement, the Swede ended up in a duel with the favorite Phanuel Koech.
The Kenyan fell and did not advance.
From certain angles, it looks pretty ugly, says Pihlström.
Prepared protest
The situation resulted in the 24-year-old expecting a protest from Kenya and therefore preparing a counter-protest. In the National Arena's inner area, he sat on his haunches and in a phone call with national team captain Kajsa Bergqvist, he explained what happened on the track.
I have made Kajsa aware, he says.
This happens quite often. When other runners go in right in front, it's not a push I give him, but more that I put a hand on him to get him going a bit, so I don't run into him. He basically falls himself.
A protest from Kenya was also submitted, announced the Swedish Athletics Association. A quarter of an hour later, it was rejected, and this happened before the Swedish national team had submitted its counter-protest.
”I think the decision was very expected, but it feels good that it's clear, so I can recharge for the semifinal”, says Pihlström in a comment from the athletics association.
”Surprised”
Samuel Pihlström, who has the Swedish record on the distance, is thus clear for Monday's semifinal.
A race where, however, the star Jakob Ingebrigtsen will not run. The Norwegian chose to run in the World Championship despite the Achilles tendon problems he has been struggling with this year – a gamble that did not pay off.
It was very bad, he says. It was much worse than I thought and hoped for.
