The six best runners advanced from each heat on 1,500 meters. Among these was Samuel Pihlström, who finished fifth in his race with a time of 3.37.25.
But on the way to advancing, 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 bad, 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 infield, he squatted down 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, the Swedish Athletics Association announced. A quarter of an hour later, it was rejected.
"Surprised"
Samuel Pihlström, who holds the Swedish record on the distance, is thus clear for Monday's semifinal.
A race where, however, star Jakob Ingebrigtsen will not be running. 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.
