EUGENE (Nettavisen): Under hot sun and temperatures of over 30 degrees, Norway’s Grøvdal ran for fourth in the second qualifying round of the 5000 meters on Thursday night.

He finished in 14:53.07 and went straight to the final with his position.

– I actually felt that it was quite controlled until there were another 200 meters. Then it was time to try to secure a top five position. I felt it was being controlled and I was able to give in a bit in the end. That gives a good answer, Grøvdal told Nettavisen.

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– Never looked better in championships

Grøvdal took an early third on the course and held on with a tight group all the way to the finish line.

The hot round was won by Letesenbet Gidey who won by 14.52.27.

NRK Post commenter Jann Post is impressed with the Norwegian woman.

– He’s probably never looked better in the championships than he does here, commented Post as Grøvdal approached the finish line.

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Ugly scene

However, not everyone has as good an experience as Grøvdal.

After crossing the finish line, two runners lay in the finish area, completely eliminated.

Both Jessica Judd from Great Britain and Sara Benfares from Germany had to be assisted in the finish area. The latter was taken off the field in a wheelchair.

Judd England managed to qualify for the final along with Grøvdal, while Benfares finished last in their heat and were thus eliminated.

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Grøvdal was unaware that a competitor was lying down, but confirmed that the run was hot. That was why he himself had already taken action during the warm-up.

– It’s very hot, of course. I’m not a fan of heat, but I think it goes well. For my part, I adjusted the heating slightly. I tone it down a bit and make sure I don’t overheat before starting, explained the Norwegian WC participant.

Warm room

Grøvdal arrived in WC town just a few days ago, but had the championship’s hottest day on Thursday night Norwegian time when he ran qualifying.

The heat didn’t just cause discomfort at Hayward Field. Most WC attendees, including Norwegians, live in student towns with no air conditioning in rooms.

The Norwegian runner clarified that she didn’t want to complain about the heat, but did not hide that it was a bit challenging.

– The worst thing was our room because it was so hot with no AC. We hope it will be a cool evening, said Grøvdal.

– Did you have trouble sleeping as a result?

– I’ve only been here for two days. I’m so glad that I came here so late. “I struggled a bit last night, it was a bit hot, but I’m not going to complain about the heat,” he told Nettavisen.

Grøvdal set the Norwegian record for the 5000 meters with a time of 14:31.07 at the Bislett Games earlier this summer. Now he can try himself in the WC final this weekend.

Get a complete overview of the WC program here!