Kenya, US, Russia win gold in Berlin World Athletics

BERLIN: Kenya, the United States and Russia won one gold medal each on the first day of the World Athletics, being held in Berlin, Germany.

The first gold medal in the event went to Linet Chepkwemoi Masai of Kenya. She surged over the last 20 meters to overtake Meselech Melkamu of Ethiopia with a time of 30 minutes, 51.24 seconds in the thrilling finish of the women’s 10,000 meters.

Christian Cantwell of the U.S. won his first world outdoor shot put title with a throw of 72 feet, 3 inches, the longest in the world this season. Cantwell, the 2008 Olympic silver medalist who had already won two indoor titles, passed Olympic champion Thomasz Majewski of Poland on the fifth of six throws. Ralf Bartels of Germany won the bronze to the delight of the home crowd.

Valeriy Borchin of Russia won the men’s 20-kilometer walk with a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 41 seconds.

In 100-meter race, reigning world champion Tyson Gay of the U.S. and Usain Bolt qualified for the semi-finals.