Belgrade 2022: No final for Nalyanya and Korir in women's 800m

The task was an impossible one, and Eglay Nalyanya wanted to try, but eventually failed to qualify for the 800m women finals in the Belgrade Indoor Championship after not participating at all. Naomi Korir did her first global individual competition and finished last in Heat 3.

Nalyanya’s task was a tough one, as she was in the same heat with USA’s Ajee Wilson and race favorite Keely Hodgkinson from the UK. Just before the race, it was announced that Hodgkinson will not participate, and just as hope appeared, it turned out that Nalyanya didn’t show up as well, since she was unwell just before the race, as confirmed by the Kenyan Federation.

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Naomi Korir participated in her first major competition globally and from the start, she was next to last, which was OK at the beginning since the eventual winner Habitam Alemu from Ethiopia was right in front of her as well. But, when the bell announced the final round, everybody took off, leaving Korir in the last place with a 2:03:94 time.

The young Kenyan was still in good spirits after the race.

“The race was good. This was my first individual competition globally. It was a good experience and next time I will do my best. This is my second year in indoor competition so every day I learn new things, and in Belgrade, I learned a lot and I’m hoping for the best” said Korir to Mozzart Sport Kenya.