3.30pm: Chekwel gets chance to redeem her Olympics

Juliet Chekwel’s Olympic debut ended disastrously for her when she stopped running one lap to the end, thinking she had finished the 10000m final on Friday.

Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana and the leading pack overlapped many athletes which might have been the cause of the confusion, but Chekwel gets a chance to amend that by qualifying for the 5000m final.

In Friday’s race, Ayana set 29 min 17.45sec to smash one of the longest-held records  in athletics to claim 10,000m glory and claim the first gold of the Olympic track and field competition.

Chekwel 26,  whose best time in the 5000m is 15:20.15 runs in heat 1 and will be joined by World Mountain running champion Stella Chesang in heat 2.

The 19-year-old Chesang looks good to make the final if she can match her 5000m personal best of 15.10 set in May. The top 5 in each heat, plus top 5 losers advance to the final.

The former junior ace started her seniors career on a high by winning Uganda’s national cross country championship title early this year.

Later today, Ronald Musagala who is better known for his 800m exploits, takes a shot at 1,500m qualification. The 1,500m is one of the most competitive and brutal races on track and field.

Tuesday August 16 
Women’s 5000m round 1 – 3.30pm
Juliet Chekwel and Stella Chesang

Men’s 1500m round 1 – 4-30pm
Ronald Musagala

Wed August 17 
Men’s 5000m round 1 – 4.05pm
Jacob Kiplimo, Phillip Kipyego and Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei

Women’s 800m round 1 – 4.55pm
Halimah Nakaayi and Winnie Nanyondo

Men’s Steeplechase final

Thursday August 18 
Men’s 1500m semifinal
Women 800m semifinal

Friday August 19 
Women’s 5000m final

Saturday August 20 
Men’s 1500m final
Women’s 800m final
Men’s 5000m final 3.30pm
Jacob Kiplimo, Phillip Kipyego and Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei

Sunday August 21 
Men’s Marathon final 3.30pm
Solomon Mutai, Jackson Kiprop and Stephen Kiprotich