The heat is back on
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
BEIJING -- A return of oppressive heat and humidity took a toll Tuesday in the first round of the women’s 5,000 meters when Russian runner Elena Zadorozhnaya staggered off the track and collapsed on the infield.
Zadorozhnaya, who recorded one of the top 10 times in the world this season, was laboring to breathe when she stepped off the track. She collapsed onto her back with an anguished expression on her face. Medical personnel quickly arrived and carried her off the field on a stretcher.
The three American women advanced, with 10,000-meter bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan posting the best time of the trio at 14 minutes 59.69 seconds. Kara Goucher was timed in 15:00.98 and Jen Rhines -- who trains at Mammoth Lakes -- was timed in 15:15.12.
-- Helene Elliott