Genzebe Dibaba Will Not Run 1500 at Worlds

In what comes as surprising news just three days after she ran a world-record time in the 1500m at the Monaco Diamond League meet, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) has only entered Genzebe Dibaba in the 5000m at next month's World Championships in Beijing.

Of course, Dibaba is not slouch in the 5000m. She currently holds the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fastest times run in the event this year, so she certainly will be heavily favored for a podium finish. The IAAF announcement of Dibaba's entry indicates that the decision might be changed after the EAF discusses the decision with Dibaba's camp. After her spectacular performance in the 1500m last week (video below), I am pulling for her to go for the double.

Dibaba has not performed well historically in outdoor World Championship races, having never finished higher than eighth despite winning Indoor World Championships in the 1500m (2012) and 3000m (2014).

Even if the EAF decision stands and Dibaba only races the 5000m in Beijing, it figures to be an exciting race. Given her current form and the fact that she has already run sub-14:20in the event twice this season, her sister's, Tirunesh Dibaba, current world record of 14:11.15 could be under attack.

On a positive note: If Dibaba in fact does not run the 1500m at Worlds, that would open up the door for Americans Shannon Rowbury and Jenny Simpson to get gold or at least both finish on the podium.

Video of Dibaba's 1500m World Record performance in Monaco: