Kenya's Daniel Simiu handed Kenya the first medal—a silver medal—on the second day of the World Athletics Championships at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.
Simiu ran a tactical race, clocking 27:52.60 to place second behind Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei, who clocked 27:51.42 —a season-best. Ethiopia's Selemon Barega clocked 27:52.72 to complete the podium.
Another Kenyan Bernard was timed at 27:56.27 to place fifth behind Ethiopia's Berihu Aregawi, who clocked.27:55.71 for the fourth position. The third Kenyan Nicholas Kimeli placed eighth in 28:03.38.
In an interview, Simiu was over the moon and attributed his success to what he termed as God's work. " For me, this is God working for me and I am very grateful."
He said many people had ruled him out, claiming that he lacked the finishing kick but he is happy to have proved them wrong.
" I am happy I have finally been rewarded and I will continue to work hard," said Simiu who is also the Africa and Commonwealth Games 5,000m silver medallist.
He also praised team-mate Kibet for the good work during the race, saying he was the reason he won silver. "Kibet ensured that boys were separated from men before opening up the race," he said, adding: "He really did a fantastic job and I partly attribute my medal to his effort."
Coach William Chebii said Simiu's success is a result of the speedwork they have concentrated on for the past two weeks.
