Athletics at the 1988 Summer Olympics – Men's 1500 metres
Peter Rono wins Kenya's first 1500m gold since 1968.
The men's 1500 metres at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea featured 59 competitors from 46 nations. The final took place on Saturday October 1, 1988, and was won by Peter Rono of Kenya by 0.19 seconds, giving Kenya its first title in the event since 1968 and second overall.
Quick Facts
- Event
- Men's 1500 metres
- Games
- 1988 Summer
- Venue
- Seoul Olympic Stadium
- Dates
- 29 September – 1 October
- Competitors
- 59
- Nations
- 46
- Gold
- Peter Rono
- Silver
- Peter Elliott
Facts from the source article.
Summary
The race reflected the tactical style common to miles and 1500s of the period, with little early pace-setting. Marcus O'Sullivan led by default, while Peter Elliott and Steve Cram of Britain marked Omer Khalifa. Just before two laps remained, Peter Rono moved from last place to the front, soon joined by Joseph Chesire to form a Kenyan wall. Jeff Atkinson got around Chesire but could not pass Rono. The pack then bypassed Chesire, positioning themselves behind Rono at the bell. Atkinson faded; Elliott, Cram, and Jens-Peter Herold moved forward. Cram prepared to strike off the turn, but Herold slipped past Elliott on the inside while Elliott focused on Cram. Elliott's sprint reclaimed silver, while Rono finished untested.
Background
This was the 21st appearance of the event, one of 12 athletics events held at every Summer Olympics. Five finalists from 1984 returned, including silver medalist Steve Cram and fourth-place Joseph Chesire. Two-time defending gold medalist Sebastian Coe was not chosen for the British team after the trials. Abdi Bile, the 1987 World Champion, withdrew due to a tibial stress fracture. Saïd Aouita, the world record holder, qualified for the semi-finals but withdrew before the race, having nursed a hamstring injury through winning bronze in the 800m. Several nations made their first appearance in the event.
Competition format
The competition used three rounds, as in 1952 and since 1964. The fastest loser system applied to both the first round and semifinals. Four first-round heats of 15 runners (one heat had 14 after a withdrawal) advanced the top five plus the next six fastest to the semifinals. Two semifinals of 13 runners each advanced the top five plus the next two fastest to the 12-man final.
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