The very special situation happened on the last lap of the 10,000 meters on Sunday evening. Mezngi had surprised the big favorites and gained a huge gap down to the field. Lillefosse, who himself was not on form for the day, only realized it when he looked up at the big screen in the stadium. Then he made the choice to wait for his teammate who came rushing behind him. HAIL: Bjørnar Lillefosse did his part to motivate Zerei Kbrom Mezngi on the last round. Photo: news – It was absolutely insane. I saw on the big screen that he had gotten a hatch. Then I thought that I must try to fire him up here around the last turn. I tried to pull up, then, says a grinning Lillefosse to news. – Incredibly raw, Lillefosse turned towards his teammate, took a step aside and roared some well-chosen words in the direction of Mezngi, who at this point was sprinting for EC gold. Behind came a chasing Yemaneberhan Crippa, who overtook the Norwegian in the last turn. However, Mezngi’s finish saw him hold on for a very surprising EC silver. – It was incredibly raw. When I first have a hard day, it’s incredibly fun to be so close. I would have liked to have been closer myself, but we are looking forward to Mezngi, says Lillefosse. ACHIEVEMENT: Here Zerei Kbrom Mezngi celebrates the EC silver with the Norwegian flag after finishing. Photo: WOLFGANG RATTAY / Reuters After the finish, Lillefosse and Mezngi embraced each other under the Norwegian flag. The teammates have been roommates in Munich, and the duo have actually discussed this very scenario. – I have prepared him. We’ve talked about his peak level being so high that he can match the best on a good day. He has seemed very “fresh” during the intervals. I wasn’t shocked, but it is surreal that there is a Norwegian not named Jakob Ingebrigtsen who is up there, says Lillefosse. Got energy Mezngi himself is “extremely happy” after capturing an EC silver in the first championship he represents Norway. The EC silver is incredible in many ways. Mezngi, who comes from Eritrea, fled a military camp after seven years. He has now represented Norway since 2020. The 36-year-old tells news that he greatly appreciated the encouragement from his teammate. – It means a lot, says Mezngi and smiles. – Did he give you motivation? – When he cheers like that, it gives me energy, answers the silver medalist. Coach Asle Rønning Tjelta believes the gesture shows the unity that exists in the team. – One must only praise Magnus (Tuv Myhre), Bjørnar and Zerei. They have been here in Munich for a week and they have taken good care of each other. Seeing Bjørnar stop to give Zerei the last “push” in shows real team spirit. It’s incredibly nice to see, says Tjelta. Crippa’s winning time was 27.46.13 in the end. Mezngi clocked in at 27.46.94. It was also a personal best.
ttn-69
Stopped in own race to cheer Mezngi on – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
