Commonwealth Games: Kimeli credits teamwork for 5000m medals

Olympics fourth-place finisher in men's 5000m Nicholas Kimeli is happy to have bounced back from the World Championship disappointment to bag silver in the men's 5000m in Birmingham. 

Racing alongside compatriots Jacob Krop, the world silver medalist and Cornelius Kemboi, Kimeli put up a spirited fight to hold on for second as Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo denied him the title inside the final 20m or so. 

"We enjoyed the race because the weather was very favourable as opposed to the World Championships in Oregon where we raced in very humid conditions. 

I am happy for the result. Unlike Oregon where i had disappointing results, my body responded well and I thank God for silver," offered Kimeli. 

The Kenyan trio had stayed together for the initial stages of tue race but Kenmboi was dropped as the pace went higher with about for laps to go. 

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On the bell, Kimeli led Krop with Kiplimo stuck to them like glue waiting to pounce when it mattered. The Ugandan edged the duo in a last minute dash, clinching the title in 13:08.08 in his first 5,000m race of the season. Kimeli was second in 13:08.19 while Krop earned bronze in 13:08.48.

"We worked for each other and had a good game plan where Krop and Kemboi was supposed to help in setting the pace but his body locked and he could not keep up with the pace. I do not blame him, it happens. Our target was gold but we are grateful for the two medals," added Kimeli. 

22-year-old Kemboi managed 13.32.21 for 11th place. In his post-match interview, Kemboi says the charge for championship medals continue and the Birmingham performance will not dampen his spirit. "My time will come," he offered.