Kipketer Runs Best 800 in 11 Years

Wilson Kipketer, the Kenya-born runner who competes for Denmark, ran the fastest 800 meters in 11 years Wednesday in the Nikaia Grand Prix meet in Nice, France.

Kipketer won in 1 minute, 42.51 seconds, less than a second from Sebastian Coe’s world record of 1:41.73 set in 1981, now the oldest standing world record.

Joachim Cruz of Brazil, the 1984 Olympic champion, ran a 1:42.49 in August 1985.

Kipketer has little chance to compete in the Olympics for Denmark because he is lacking full citizenship and Kenyan Olympic officials have not given him permission to run for Denmark.

“I am disappointed. I am in good shape and all my preparation has been for it,” Kipketer said. “Now I am not going.”

Behind Kipketer were two other fast times. Benyounes Lahlou of Morocco finished in 1:43.76 and David Kiptoo of Kenya in 1:43.93.

Noureddine Morceli took the 2,000 meters in 4:49.55, falling short of his world record of 4:47.88. Martin Keino, the son of former Kenyan great Kip Keino, was second in 4:53.84.

The pole vault was outstanding with six over 19 feet 2 inches. Ukrainian world-record holder Sergei Bubka, however, was tied for seventh at 18-8 1/4.

Igor Potapovich of Kazakstan won at 19-4 1/4. Russia’s Maxim Tarasov, the 1992 Olympic champion, was second and Jean Galfione of France took third, both also clearing 19-4 1/4. Tarasov failed to make the Russian team in his country’s trials last week.

World champion Donovan Bailey edged Olympic champion Linford Christie with both timed in a relatively slow 10.17 in the 100 meters.

Sonia O’Sullivan of Ireland established the best women’s 3,000 time of the year with 8:35.43.

Lumilla Engquist of Sweden remained unbeaten for the season by winning the 100 hurdles in 12.67.

Kenya’s Joseph Keter won the 3,000 steeplechase in 8:08.47. Olympic champion Matthew Birir of Kenya was fifth in 8:12.54.