Kenenisa Bekele proves his mettle at the Valencia marathon, but his pursuit of an Olympic marathon appearance goes on

This can be a piece from Deji Ogeyingbo on Kenenisa Bekele, and his inspiring 2:04.19 reminds all runners over 40 that they’ve just a few extra good races within the tank.

Kenenisa Bekele is the previous WR holder at 5,000m and 10,000m. Kenenisa gained 26 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and a pair of bronze medals on the Olympic Video games (3 gold, 1 silver), World Champs (5 gold, 1 bronze), one gold at World Indoors, two gold at African Champs, 2 gold at All-African Video games, 112medals at World Cross Nation (11 gold, 1 silver) and two Marathon Majors. 

He now runs for Anta Footwear. 

If there was any main takeaway from this yr’s Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon, apart from reigning 10,000m world champion Joshua Cheptegei’s 37^th place end in 2:08:59, it absolutely needs to be seeing Kenenisa Bekele working in a marathon once more. The a number of world and Olympic champion is extensively considered the best distance runner of all time, and plenty of gained’t begrudge him if he had hung his trainers years in the past. Nevertheless, the Ethiopian continues to push his boundaries.

Final yr in London, Bekele broke the document by working 2:05:53, however Switzerland’s Tadesse Abraham surpassed him by working 2:05:10 in Berlin in September. Now Bekele has the document once more and is the primary man over 40 to interrupt 2:06. Does that imply he’s getting again into form forward of subsequent yr? Definitely not. But when there’s one factor that has characterised Bekele’s profession, it’s the sheer zeal to achieve unchartered territory. He has held a lifelong dream of competing on the Olympics and this efficiency in Valencia accentuates why he deserves an opportunity to be on the Paris Olympics. 

Bekele’s transition to the marathon and subsequent Olympic picks have confirmed difficult. Regardless of his exceptional observe profession, Olympic choice eluded Bekele in 2016 and 2021. The marathon has posed new challenges, but the attract of the Olympic stage stays a beacon of aspiration for this seasoned athlete.

The Valencia marathon served as a defining second in Bekele’s relentless pursuit. Earlier than the race, the 41-year-old didn’t end on the London Marathon in April and positioned 5^th the yr earlier than.  Nonetheless, he proved his mettle within the Spanish Metropolis. 

Clocking a powerful midway mark of 60:58, he displayed exceptional tenacity, pushing by means of the grueling second half and overtaking a number of opponents. Bekele’s resilience and unwavering dedication resonated on the roads of Valencia, epitomizing the enduring spirit that has outlined his storied profession.

Bekele’s Olympic ambitions have been a permanent pursuit. Regardless of being a three-time Olympic gold medalist in observe occasions, his transition to the marathon and subsequent Olympic picks have been difficult. Not chosen for the Ethiopian workforce in 2016 or 2021, Bekele’s unwavering dream persists. Nevertheless, after his current spectacular efficiency in Valencia, his Olympic aspirations for 2024 have resurged.

Notably, different Ethiopians like Tadese Takele, Sisay Lemma, and Dawit Wolde have posted sooner instances in 2023. The likes of Lemma and Tamirat Tola, victorious in outstanding World Marathon Majors, presently maintain priority within the choice hierarchy. Regardless of these challenges, Bekele’s exceptional Valencia feat stands as a testomony to his enduring capabilities, positioning him as a possible contender for an Olympic berth.

The unpredictability surrounding Ethiopia’s choice course of provides an air of intrigue to Bekele’s quest. Earlier trials witnessed hasty preparations, leaving Bekele on the sidelines. As the choice standards stay unsure, Bekele’s hope hinges on a stellar efficiency in an upcoming spring marathon. His Valencia triumph has elevated his possibilities, reviving the prospect of clinching a coveted spot within the Ethiopian Olympic workforce for Paris 2024.

Past the race in opposition to time and opponents, Bekele’s pursuit embodies resilience, dedication, and an unwavering spirit. His ambition to make a mark within the marathon on the Olympics speaks volumes about his enduring starvation for excellence. Amidst formidable competitors and the vagaries of choice, Bekele’s pursuit mirrors the struggles and uncertainties athletes usually face of their quest for Olympic glory. His resolve and relentless pursuit of a lifelong dream stand as an inspiring narrative on the earth of marathon working. 

It might be good for the Ethiopia Athletics Federation to present him a shot on the Olympics. I do know they most likely gained’t as a result of they didn’t in 2021, however man, simply give him a one-lifetime achievement choice. I don’t suppose he could be a DNF danger on the Olympics — his experiences the final couple of years, ending effectively off the again, have made him extra snug than somebody like Kelvin Kiptum or Eliud Kipchoge could be if he falls off the tempo, and he has little or no to lose at this stage in his profession apart from one look price if he had been to run a World Marathon Main as an alternative.

Kenenisa Bekele On Winning BMW Berlin Marathon 2019 in 2:01:41 with Andy Edwards, Race News Service