Newly-crowned four-time 10,000m world champion Kenenisa Bekele has vowed, doubtless much to the chagrin of his rivals, to keep on running.
Newly-crowned four-time 10,000m world champion Kenenisa Bekele has vowed, doubtless much to the chagrin of his rivals, to keep on running.
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Bekele's medal haul from the Olympic Games, worlds and world cross-country championships is quite phenomenal, and the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder over both the 5000m and 10,000m again looked unbeatable at the Olympic Stadium when winning the 10,000m title on Monday.
His history speaks for itself, now with 15 world titles and three Olympic golds. He has been the fastest in the world over 5000m every year since 2004 and is unbeaten in the 10,000m.
In Beijing Bekele became the first male athlete to claim the 5000/10,000m double since another Ethiopian, Miruts Yifter, achieved the same feat in the boycotted 1980 Games in Moscow.
His fourth consecutive world 10,000m title here tied him with former master Haile Gebrselassie's record over the distance.
But the 27-year-old Ethiopian shows no signs of wanting the quiet life.
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| Kenenisa Bekele |
"If no one is beating me, why should I stop?" he asked.
"No athletes are beating me, I am enjoying my running and I am so happy. I see no reason to stop."
Once again Bekele relied on his last-lap kick, an incredible ability to change gears when the bell sounds and destroy his rivals in 50 quick, painful metres.
As the bell rang for the final lap, Bekele made his move, seemingly effortless as he ruthlessly motored past Eritrean silver medallist Zersenay Tadese.
When he rounded the bend for the final stretch he raised his finger in the knowledge he had matched his one-time master Gebrselassie's record.
He justified his race tactics, saying: "You can't win a race from the beginning, it is impossible. Maybe you can dream about it, the best thing is to get comfortable in a race and strong.
"Then I can challenge later in the race, it is something I have always done. I had already planned to stay behind until the last lap and then kick.
"It's great to win for the fourth time," added Bekele. "My goal is always to come to major championships and win them, I am really happy to get this medal.
"I can't compare this to my other wins, Osaka in 2007 was a difficult race. This was more relaxing than Osaka, it was a good win and I am happy."
Bekele was as elusive as ever when quizzed if he was contemplating the double.
"I haven't yet decided. I will maybe decide on Tuesday," he said.
Heats for the 5000m are on Thursday, with the final slated for Sunday.
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