Tanzania’s world champion Alphonce Felix Simbu narrowly missed out on a podium finish after placing fourth in the Sydney Marathon in Australia yesterday.
Simbu clocked 2:04:57 in the August 30 race, finishing just 15 seconds behind winner Addisu Gobena of Ethiopia, who crossed the line in 2:04:42.
Another Ethiopian, Chimdessa Gudeta, finished second in 2:04:45, while South Africa’s Tebello Ramakogana secured third place after recording the same time as Simbu.
The closely fought finish underlined the high level of competition in the men’s race, with only 15 seconds separating the top four athletes.
Athletics Commission Tanzania secretary Mathew George congratulated Simbu and fellow Tanzanian runners Magdalena Shauri and Benjamin Ferdinandi, as well as their coach, for their performance and representation of the country on the international stage.
George said the athletes’ determination, discipline and commitment had made Tanzania proud.
He also wished the athletes good health and a safe return home after representing the country in the prestigious international marathon.
“Every footstep taken on the international stage has carried the Tanzanian flag high,” George said.