Run-Down Forums

[VIPAM]

Bilal Mansour Ali (Bah) formerly John Yego a very talented Kenyan. I remember reading reports on John Yego when he ran 1:46.8 (A) as a 15 yr old in Niarobi in May 2004. I only saw one picture of the Bilal and he did look quite young but I wondered why he didn't represent Kenya in the 2004 World Jr Championships.

The IAAF is buying his age and therefore I have no choice but to accept his marks as a junior but 1:44.34 and 3:33.86 for a 16 yr old in June is mindboggling. WHAT WILL HE DO IN July and August?

[Indeurr]

The same.
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http://vincovitanj.tripod.com/Do_not_be_a_victim1/index.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u43o595CARQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x22Alfgv0DY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgcD2akmeJc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB0RcWYMwXU
one hand clapping

[Dan]

If the age is legit, that's pretty tough to comprehend.

Dan
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[VIPAM]

I've tried every major search engine known to find information on Bilal Mansour Ali aka John Yego and nothing comes up before his 2004 1:46.8 at altitude. I first became aware of John Yego last year with that impressive altitude 800m and then weeks later found out he was reportedly 15 yrs old at the time. I eagerly waited for the teenager to debut at the World Juniors but no cigar and he also didn't run at the Olympics. The thought that an athlete that talented would try for a qualifying mark ONLY at altitude for the Olympics is stupidfying!

I'm not saying that Bilal isn't 16 yrs old but his career choices (avoiding any junior events) and the lack of information on the ENTIRE INTERNET of such a talent is puzzling!

[Fry the Sailor]

probably doesn't even know when and where the world juniors are. USATF and AAU people are really hard to get information out of if you don't have the money or an organization to back you. It probably goes the same in Kenya (see my latest "summer race" post). He knows he does well, but might he be oblivious to how good he is? I doubt it. So it may be one of two things:
1. He is truly oblivious
or
2. He knows that he is soo good that he won't even give notice to World Juniors.
Any other ideas?

[Dan]

With the Kenyans, you never quite know where they're training and who's tutelage they're under, so getting information about various opportunities may not be a given.

Dan
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[VIPAM]

I apologize ahead of time because I could be wrong but no way do I believe Ali Mansour and his reported age of 16. The facial features can be decieving; therefore, it not the basis of my disbelief. Ali Mansour times are faster than any athlete ever at his age and his racing skills are that of a veteran. Yes its possible that he could be a wunderkid, an annomally, or a older athlete who is telling the truth about his age.

I try my best not to dispute anything in track and field unless I have proof (which I don't) but my mind and gut won't let me accept the age of Ali Mansour. Does anyone have proof one way or another about Mansour?

[Dan]

Is there a picture of him anywhere?

Dan
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[VIPAM]

although his physical appearance is not the basis of my disbelief concerning his age, here is a photo of Ali Mansour:

http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/details_pop.aspx?iid=53249794&cdi=0

[Dan]

Boy, that does look sketchy. If you were to show someone that photo and ask if they thought he's closer to 15 or 30, I'd guess the bulk of people would pick the higher one.

Dan
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