4 Paralympians run faster than Olympic champ in 1,500
Visually impaired athletes beat unusually slow Olympic time
For one day, at least, four Paralympians could say they ran faster than an Olympic champion.
The top four finishers in Sunday's men's 1,500-metre T13 final in Rio — Abdellatif Baka, Tamiru Demisse, Henry Kirwa and Fouad Baka — all finished with better times than 2016 Olympic gold medallist Matthew Centrowitz Jr., ran in his 1,500 final in August.
Algeria's Abdellatif claimed gold in the event for visually impaired athletes in a world-record time of three minutes, 48.29 seconds. Athletes in the T13 class have a visual impairment which is severe enough to impact on sport.
Although impressive, it's worth noting that this year's Olympic 1,500 final was the slowest since the Los Angeles 1932 Games — a strategic choice by the runners.
Centrowitz Jr., was more than 1.7 seconds behind Abdellatif at 3:50 flat, but clocked a season's best of 3:34.08 just a month prior to his Olympic race. Additionally, the American was 11 seconds faster in his Olympic heats.
Still, the T13 final has become much more competitive in recent Games.
All four Paralympians recorded a personal best to come in faster than Centrowitz. Abdellatif, 22, won Paralympic gold in the 800 in London. His twin, Fouad, will join him Tuesday in the 400.
Kenyan bronze medallist Kirwa, who won the event at the 2008 Beijing Games, returned to Paralympic action at the age of 43. Kirwa will attempt to add to his medal tally in the 5,000 on Thursday.