Joy For Thebe, Blow For Sibanda
Staff Writer | Monday May 29, 2017 15:15
Thebe finished second behind American favourite, LaShawn Merritt while Sibanda pulled out after the first curve of the 400m race. Sibanda went down clutching his hamstring and there would be immediate concerns over his participation at the World Championships penciled for London in August.
While there was agony for Sibanda, Thebe erased the pain with some fine running, finishing behind the seasoned American, who at 30, is 10years Thebe’s senior.
“Thanks for your support, fresh from injury but managed to clock a better time. Thanks, if it was not for your support, ga keitse gore ke kabo ke kgona jang (I don’t know how I was going to manage). Speedy recovery to my team mate,” Thebe posted on his Facebook page soon after the Diamond League race.
Meanwhile, it was the 30-year-old Merritt’s sixth victory in the Pre 400, this time in 44.79 seconds, with Thebe second in 45.04 to lead the youthful chase behind Merritt.
“I know they’re coming, they keep me motivated,” Merritt said. “I know they’ll be full of adrenaline so I can’t get complacent once I line up because I know they’re going to run hard,” Merritt said.
One thing age hasn’t done is diminish the desire to win for Merritt, third at the Olympic Games last summer. And he isn’t about to easily cede his position as America’s best and one of the top 400 runners in the world.
“I still feel strong, I’m still working on some things,” he said. “I stay focused and I’m hungry and I’m as dedicated as I was when I was younger.” (Additional reporting by The Register Guard)