Why are Kenyans fast?

Ibrahim Hussein, the former champion marathoner who is a team official for the Kenyans in Melbourne this week, says a combination of factors are at work.

"Most of us come from the same area, and we're lucky that we live at high altitude," he said yesterday. I really believe in it. I believe that the athletes develop well. I believe that genetics play a part too. But also, running is mental.

"If you train correctly, and you have the correct physique, and you are mentally tough, you can win. We train hard and we concentrate on what we are doing and when we race, we are ready."

*From the Sydney Morning Herald