Kenenisa is pictured above crossing the line to win gold in the final of the men's
10,000m at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka. It was the third World
Championships in succession that the brilliant Bekele had won the 10,000m gold
medal. For good measure he also struck gold in the event at the 2004 Olympics
in Athens. Kenenisa, who remarkably was running his first 10,000m of the year,
overtook fellow countryman Seleshi Sihine coming around the final bend and then
sped away to cross the line in 27.05.90. He later commented:
"I was very confident I would be the strongest. The next goal is next year's Beijing Olympics.
Between now and then maybe I will break some world records."
Bekele did, though, admit it had been tough going, with Sihine - who has now won
silver medals behind Kenenisa on no less than four occasions at major championships
pushing him all the way.
"With three laps left with the changing pace, I was a little bit
tired and I was worried, " said the Ethiopian. "It's not easy to win a third time in a
World Championship. I'm very happy. I prepared very well for this weather.
It's not easy to run in this weather and with strong competition. As you can see the
race was very tough." Bekele's victory meant that Ethiopia had struck 10000m gold
in seven of the last eight World Championships.
.
|
| Men's 10,000m. Final. |
| 2007 World Athletics Championships. |
| 1. Kenenisa BEKELE |
|
ETH |
|
27: 05.90 |
| 2. Sileshi SIHINE |
|
ETH |
|
27: 09.03 |
| 3. Martin Irungu MATHATHI |
|
KEN |
|
27: 12.17 |
| 4. Zersenay TADESSE |
|
ERI |
|
27: 21.37 |
| 5. Josephat Muchiri NDAMBIRI |
|
KEN |
|
27: 31.41 |
| 6. Gebre Egziabher GEBREMARIAM |
|
ETH |
|
27: 44.58 |
| 7. Abdihakem ABDIRAHMAN |
|
USA |
|
27: 56.62 |
| 8. Josphat Kiprono MENJO |
|
KEN |
|
28: 25.67 |
|