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Defar upsets Dibaba in 5000m

Yomi Omogbeja (11/08/2006)

Olympic 5000m champion and World record-holder Meseret Defar of Ethiopia edged out compatriot, the World 5000m and 10,000m title holder, Tirunesh Dibaba in the final metres to win the women's 5000m, her very first continental crown.

Defar, 22, clinched gold in 15:56.00 with Dibaba settling for silver in 15:56.04. Kenyan Jebiwot Kibet was took the bronze medal in 15:57.14.

Defar said: "Our aim was just to ensure Ethiopia wins the race. There were no pace makers and with the headwind on the back straight it was going to be difficult to clock fast times.

Dibaba was however still contented despite her loss and was happy her compatriot won.

 “I am content, even if I lost because the title returned to Ethiopia. It's a pity that it is not me, but I am not disappointed nevertheless”, she said.

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