• Tweeter

  • republish

Aruban Jonathan Busby finishes his 5,000m with the support of Bissau-Guinean Braima Suncar Dabo at the 2019 World Athletics Championships. Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters

The World Championships kicked off in Doha (Qatar) on Friday (September 27th). During this first day, the Ivorian sprinter Arthur Cissé and the triple jumper Brukinabe Hugues Fabrice Zango had no difficulty. But the image of the day is the gesture of Bissau-Guinean Braima Suncar Dabo, helped the Aruban Jonathan Busby, exhausted at the end of 5.000m.

LAUNCHING: SOUTH AFRICANS MANYONGA AND SAMAAI SAY PRESENTS

In 2017, Luvo Manyonga became the first South African world long jump champion. The African record holder did not miss his debut in these 2019 Worlds by qualifying for the final with a jump of 7.91m. His compatriot Ruswahl Samaai, in bronze in London, did even better with 8,01m.

100M (H): FOUR AFRICANS IN SEMI-FINALS

Nigerian Raymond Ekevwo and Ivorian Arthur Cissé, respectively in gold and silver at the last African Games in Rabat, did not miss their entry in the running. With times of 10''14, they have passed their respective series and will be at the meeting of the semi-finals Saturday, September 28. Same thing for the Liberian Emmanuel Matadi (10''19) and for the South African and 2018 African champion Akani Simbine (10''01).

The Ivorian sprinter Arthur Cissé, in Doha on September 27, 2019. Aleksandra Szmigiel / Reuters

5.000M (H): STANDING OVATION FOR DABO

Ethiopians Telahun Haile Bekele (13'20''45), Selemon BArega (13'24''69) and fellow world champion Muktar Edris (13'25''00) qualify for the final on Monday 30 September, as Kenyans Jacob Krop (13'24''94) and Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli (13'20''82).

But of these series, one will retain especially this striking image of Jonathan Busby and Braima Suncar Dabo. Both were engaged in the first series and were quickly left behind. Busby, a founder of Aruba, was unable to finish his race alone. Exhausted, on the verge of collapse, he was able to count on the support of Dabo. Bissau-Guinean caught up with him and supported him, bringing him half on the last 250 meters, so that they finish together their 5.000m in more than 18 minutes. All under the applause of the spectators present at the Khalifa Stadium.

" I just wanted to help him finish. I think everyone would have done the same, "said Braima Suncar Dabo. After crossing the finish line, Jonathan Busby was evacuated on a wheelchair. He was nevertheless disqualified.

Jonathan Busby exhausted at the end of his 5,000m ended with the help of Braima Suncar Dabo. Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

3.000M STEEPLE (F): CHEPKOECH DOMINISH THE SERIES

World recordkeeper of the 3,000m steeplechase for a little over a year, Kenyan Beatrice Chepkoech set the fastest time of the series in 9'18''01. His compatriots Celliphine Chepteek Chespol (9'24''22) and Hyvin Kiyeng (9'29''15), the Ethiopian Mekides Abebe (9'27''61, new personal best) and the Ugandan Peuth Chemutai (9 '21''98), will also play the final on Monday, September 30th.

800M (F): NANYONDO SIGNS THE BEST TIME

Despite the controversial absence of South Africa's Caster Semenya, the 800m series started and Ugandan Winnie Nanyondo set the fastest time in 2'00''36. Her compatriot Halimah Nakaayi (2'02''33), Morocco's Halima Hachlaf (2'01''50) and Rababe Arafi (2'03''44) and Beninese Noelie Yarigo (2'01''19) were also validated their ticket for the halves. Kenyan Eunice Jepkoech Sum (2'02''17) and Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji (2'02''71) qualified by taking the two fastest times among the athletes who did not rank in the top three series. The semifinals will be held on Saturday, September 28th.

TRIPLE JUMP (H): ZANGO LAST IN TRACK

Hugues Fabrice Zango has assumed his status of best triple jumper of Africa. Holder of two continental records (indoor and outdoor), African champion and winner at the African Games, the Burkinabe has made the second best jump series (17.17m). He is the only African representative qualified for Sunday's final on 29 September.

Burkinabè triple jumper Hugues Fabrice Zango in Doha on September 27, 2019. Dylan Martinez / Reuters

400M HEDGES (H): LAHOULOU, TOUATI AND ALOWONLE IN HALF

Algerian Abdelmalik Lahoulou (49''54), Tunisian Mohamed Touati (49''76) and Nigerian Rilwan Alowonle (50''04) have passed their series and will now try to do the same during half-time. finals on Saturday, September 28th.

JUMPING HIGH (F): SEYAMA ELIMINEE

Eswatinienne Erika Nonhlanhla Seyama was not a favorite in this contest. With a personal best of 1.80m, the athlete needed a feat that did not happen. She did not do better than 1.70m. Knowing that to qualify for the final, it was necessary to jump at least 1.92m.

LAUNCH HAMMER (F)

No African was in the running.

PERCHE JUMP (F)

No African was in the running.