Renowned Ethiopian athlete Kenenisa Bekele is set to make a return to the Olympics after a 12-year absence, as he secures a spot in the 10-member Ethiopian team bound for the Paris Games.
At 41 years old, Bekele’s last Olympic appearance was in London in 2012, where he narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the men’s 10,000m. Subsequently overlooked for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, Bekele’s remarkable second-place finish at the London Marathon in April seals his return to the Olympic stage, alongside women’s world record holder Tigist Assefa.
Bekele, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the 5,000m and 10,000m events, is poised to reignite his rivalry with reigning Olympic champion and former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who was recently named to the Kenyan team.
The duo’s storied history dates back to the Paris World Championships in August 2003, where Kipchoge clinched victory in the 5,000m, with Bekele settling for third place behind Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj.
Transitioning to marathon running in April 2014, Bekele showcased promise with the sixth fastest debut over the distance in Paris, yet his journey has been beset by injuries.
Meanwhile, Assefa’s remarkable achievement in breaking the two-hour, 12-minute barrier in the women’s marathon, setting a world record of 2:11:53 in Berlin last September, solidifies her position as a key contender. Her inclusion in the Olympic squad marks her maiden international championship appearance, alongside fellow teammates Amane Beriso and Megertu Alemu.
The Ethiopian men’s team also boasts notable talents, including Valencia Marathon champion Sisay Lemma and Deresa Geleta, with Tamirat Tola and Eusedin Mohammed serving as standby reserves.
In the women’s reserve team, 2022 world marathon champion Gotytom Gebresilase and Buze Diriba stand ready to step in if needed.