Games and Sports

Shoes could determine Bosibori’s fate

  • Print
Details
Published on Tuesday, 28 August 2007 01:02
Ruth Bosibori’s mission of being a world 3000m-steeplechase champion in Monday’s final could be impeded if her curious decision to run barefoot is not heeded. That the 19-year-old police recruit from Nyamira is outrageously talented and very capable of winning the steeplechase final at a canter is in no doubt.

However, the All Africa Games champion continues to insist on running barefooted, even at the world stage in Osaka. After watching her destroy the field in Algiers, Anna Legnani, a deputy communications manager with the IAAF remarked, "She is such a huge talent and I hope athletics officials prevail on her the need to run in shoes for major championships."

That was done and she turned out for her heat in Osaka in spikes, finishing fifth in Heat Three in 9:31.20 (her Personal Best) to qualify for today’s final as one of the three fastest losers. With temperatures reaching highs of 33 degrees, the runner looked uncomfortable, complaining of sore feet after running for the first time in competition with shoes.

Whether she lives up to her winning potential depends on the decision made by her handlers regarding how she will line up for the final—with or without shoes. What is baffling is why team officials failed to ensure that she was adequately prepared to run with shoes or seek an ultra light pair specially designed for her.