Sokolov (8:43.57), Krzyszkowiak (8:49.86) - the favourite, and
Rzhishchin (8:48.34) were the heat winners, with George Young (USA)
the fastest non-qualifier with 8:50.93. Konov set the pace in the final,
held in 30°C weather, passing 1000m in a fast 2:45.0, and Sokolov took
over the lead in the second kilometre, but let the pace drop, passing
2000m in 5:45.8, with Roelants and Krzyszkowiak on his heels. At the
bell Sokolov led by 5m from Krzyszkowiak, with Rzhishchin a further
10m behind. The Pole, European 5000m and 10,000m Champion, was
clearly the man in form. He went past Sokolov with 250m to go, and
won comfortably, some three seconds off his world record, with
Sokolov well clear of Rzhishchin for the minor medals.