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Japanese Olympic Track Results - Aug. 17

by Brett Larner

Men's 10000 m
Waseda University senior Kensuke Takezawa was a surprise start in the men's 10000 m after being out of competition from January to June with severe injuries and scratching in the Japanese National Track and Field Championships 10000 m in June. Takezawa, who set a PB of 27:45.59 at last year's Cardinal Invitational, was clearly still far off his peak form, never making any attempt to go with competitors of comparable ability but running steadily and finishing 28th in 28:23.28, a creditable 28.5 seconds faster than his time from last summer's Osaka World Track and Field Championships when he was in excellent condition. Takezawa afterwards described the Olympic race as "a learning experience."

5000 m national record and 30 km world record holder Takayuki Matsumiya had a dismal run. Despite having coming close to the national record in this year's Cardinal Invitational, where he ran 27:41.75, winning the National Championships 10000 m in 27:41.27, and predicting that he would finish in the top 10 at the Olympics, Matsumiya began the 10000 m in last place and spent much of the race close to that position. He briefly moved up to run with Takezawa but again faded, ultimately finishing 31st of 35 finishers in 28:39.77.

Both Takezawa and Matsumiya are entered in the 5000 m.

Women's 400 m Hurdles
National record holder Satomi Kubokura had a strong showing in the first heat of the women's 400 m hurdles, running a season best 55.82 to finish 3rd and advance to the semifinals.

(c) 2008 Brett Larner
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