European 5000m record-holder aiming to do both that and the 1500m at the World Championships
Mo Katir is a man on a mission.
The 25-year-old Spaniard, who is an ASICS athlete, is down to run both the 1500m and 5000m at the World Championships [August 19-27].
He comes off the back of two major championship medals in the respective distances – 1500m bronze at last year’s Worlds and 5000m silver at the Europeans – and is aiming to challenge himself in Budapest.
Katir states he would be happy to “win two medals [of any colour]” in both events but understands the significance of the challenge.
To accomplish his goals, Katir will have to race in the 1500m heats on August 19, 1500m semi-finals on August 20, 1500m final on August 23, 5000m heats on August 24 and 5000m final on August 27.
Mo Katir (Jordi Saragossa)
“My idea for Budapest is the same as always, and it is none other than trying to reach as high as possible, and obviously be at the top of the podium,” he tells AW. “The big problem is that nowadays all the rivals you have are very strong, and it’s not easy to get even a bronze medal.
“As for the distances that you are going to run, and as the training goes, it is to try to run both the 1500m and the 5000m. My idea is always to try to win, but I would be very happy if I could get two medals, and if they were gold I would be the happiest man in the world.”
Scheduling the two disciplines apart by World Athletics was done on purpose to make sure the 1500m/5000m double is possible.
Katir will have Jakob Ingebrigtsen in his sights in both distances.
The Norwegian has established himself as the one to beat across 1500m and has clocked the three fastest times of the season, including an incredible 3:27.14 he ran at last month’s Silesia Diamond League (July 16).
Katir is second on the 2023 list with the 3:28.89 he clocked at the Oslo Diamond League (June 15).
The Spaniard goes into the 5000m in scintillating form and his 12:45.01 at the recent Monaco Diamond League (July 21), was over three seconds quicker than Ingebrigtsen’s European record of 12:48.45.
It makes for a fascinating battle between two truly world class athletes.
EUROPEAN RECORD
In a stunning 5000m at the Monaco Diamond League, Mo Katir breaks Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s European 5000m record 🔥
The Spaniard clocks 12:45.01 to demolish Ingebrigtsen’s mark of 12:48.45 🇪🇸
Katir finishes fourth in a race won by Hagos Gebrhiwet in 12:42.18💥
CLICK HERE to Read the Full Original Article at AW…