Three decades later and Kenenisa still breaking world records.
2:05:53.......5) London Marathon.
First master under 2:06
....
2:04:19.......4) Valencia MWR
another Master World Record at 41 ys old and first master's sub 2:05, AMAZING. Any country in the world and 2:04:19 would guarantee him an Olympic spot except for Ethiopia and maybe Kenya. Harsh!
This post was edited 2 minutes after it was posted.
When Kenenisa ran 7:30.67 WJR as a 17 year old (few months shy of 18) the world know that he was very talented; however, in 2003 we may see the beginning of his dominance. In 2002 he became the first man to hold both long and short x-country titles EVER and he did it in the same meet against two talented fields.
In the last month after recovering from an injury, Kenenisa have began again:
1. winning his first x-country race in an easy romp
2. blazing thru 1st kilo of Ekiden race in approx 2:28 and finishing in 13:07!
3. destroy good field in Belgium most prestigous x-country race and winning by over 1 minute and 14 second over S.Lebed (Urk)*
(*World X-Country silver in 2001)
In 2002 many may not remember however as a teenager Kenenisa outkicked many kickers on the European circuit; therefore, he have a great kick. I don't think Hicham have a chance in the 5000m at all now! Kenenisa will force the pace and break Hicham before 3500m if Hicham even runs the World 5000m.
Vipam
.....
21 years later and Kenenisa Bekele is still making headline news making another Olympic team at 41/42 years. Yes if he is healthy he is a medal threat because Eliud is not going to dominate as he isn't the strongest hill runner.
As much crap as there is on this site, threads like this are absolute goldmines. Going back over 2 decades and seeing discussion of Kenenisa Bekele's potential greatness and the storyline of his career unfolding through discussion is remarkable. Cool to see an archive that spans from Bekele's emergence as a potential great to the GOAT making one last Olympics
When Kenenisa ran 7:30.67 WJR as a 17 year old (few months shy of 18) the world know that he was very talented; however, in 2003 we may see the beginning of his dominance. In 2002 he became the first man to hold both long and short x-country titles EVER and he did it in the same meet against two talented fields.
In the last month after recovering from an injury, Kenenisa have began again:
1. winning his first x-country race in an easy romp
2. blazing thru 1st kilo of Ekiden race in approx 2:28 and finishing in 13:07!
3. destroy good field in Belgium most prestigous x-country race and winning by over 1 minute and 14 second over S.Lebed (Urk)*
(*World X-Country silver in 2001)
In 2002 many may not remember however as a teenager Kenenisa outkicked many kickers on the European circuit; therefore, he have a great kick. I don't think Hicham have a chance in the 5000m at all now! Kenenisa will force the pace and break Hicham before 3500m if Hicham even runs the World 5000m.
Vipam
.....
21 years later and Kenenisa Bekele is still making headline news making another Olympic team at 41/42 years. Yes if he is healthy he is a medal threat because Eliud is not going to dominate as he isn't the strongest hill runner.
You have been on this thread for 21 years. I approve of the dedication. In my perfect world he would break the record at Paris then retire but it ain't happening for obvious reasons.
Letsrun is truly one of the best running sites on the Internet. Over the last 20 plus years I have taken a few breaks, sometimes weeks, months, and once a couple years. Over that time many superstars have come ond gone, so it's incredible to still see Bekele among the best in the world 🌍👍.
Bekele will beat Kipchoge in Paris and prove to everyone he will always be the GOAT.
It will make Matt Tegenkamp wish he ran the 10k, Brandon Moen think he can still get a trials qualifier, and pirate/cat/gun girl post again on letsrun.
Think about it Kenenisa has been world class and World Gold medalist since 19 and still getting it done at 41 almost 42. Kenya and Ethiopia are uncountably the two hardest teams to make in the marathon and he just did it by running 2:04:19 and 2:04:15 and only 5 months apart.
And we have trouble getting our top male marathoners to hit Olympic standard and he OBLITERATED 2:08😮
He definitely had a great career and is clearly the GOAT.
VIPAM you called it and deserve credit for calling it. I enjoyed watching him run. You only get so many years as an athlete and to be alive during his time is a blessing for me. He has inspired so many runners and has an iron will to keep going. As long as he laces up his shoes, I will be there rooting for him.