Canada’s Moh Ahmed just misses podium in 10,000 metres

Canadian distance runner Mohammed Ahmed. (Christinne Muschi/CP)

Canada’s Moh Ahmed almost delivered a spectacular medal for the country in one of the toughest events at the Olympics on Friday.

Ahmed, 33, was second with about 200 metres to go in the men’s 10,000 metres, but slipped to fourth in a thrilling finish on the opening night of track and field in Paris.

Ahmed finished in 26 minutes, 43.79 seconds, .33 seconds behind bronze medallist Grant Fisher of the U.S.

Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda won with an Olympic record time of 26:43.14, just ahead of Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi (26:43.44).

“Dude, I ran an incredible race. I can’t really be disappointed,” Ahmed told CBC Olympics. “These are the hardest Olympics in the history of the Olympics. … I gave it everything I had.”

Ahmed won silver in the 5,000 metres three years ago in Tokyo and still has that race to come in Paris.

Ahmed was sixth in the 10,000 in Tokyo.

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