Shame they won't let Barega or Aregawi double. Also now that Tefera is out of the 5,000m, will he run an outdoor 1,500? Only a month left until worlds and he hasnt run a 1,500 yet.
Shame they won't let Barega or Aregawi double. Also now that Tefera is out of the 5,000m, will he run an outdoor 1,500? Only a month left until worlds and he hasn't run a 1,500 yet.
The 5,000m and 10,000m are exactly as I predicted. And interesting they'd select Tefera without him running a single outdoor 1,500m. Not that I'm complaining. I think he's fixing to drop on the event. I'll put him down for a medal, possibly even gold.
That makes the women's 1500 wide open behind Kipyegon. Muir still not healthy, no Gudaf, and possibly no Hassan. Hirut is very good but not Tseguy level while Embaye are and Dagnachew are super inconsistent.
It's crazy that Tsegay, Gidey, and Barega aren't doubling. The Ethiopian federation are throwing medals away.
But you're right about the women's 1500: there could be up to a dozen women who are realistic medal prospects, and we can pin the gold on Kipyegon right now. I think we'll have at least one medallist who will be a huge surprise
General thoughts: 5000m- Very strong team. Yes, it would be better if you swapped Bekele for Barega or Gebrhiwet (who must be injured). Edris is in way better form than we are used to at this juncture. He trains with Kejelcha/Worku and clearly that group is hitting on all cylinders right now. My one concern with this squad is within the closing stages can we trust Kejelcha/Aregawi to deliver the last 100 meters.
10000m- Strong top two. Mengesha is running decently but yes you'd rather put in Aregawi. It's worth noting in the early season Ethiopian champs he kicked really well to get 2nd against many of the usual characters. Maybe he will be better in a slower race if that's how it goes in Eugene.
Steeple - Ethiopia is the new Kenya in the Steeple. Girma likely finishes 1st or 2nd. Other 2 guys very much in the mix for bronze. Tegegn just outkicked Ebenyo to win the African Games 5,000 gold. I think Girma could drop a 12:50 5,000 if he runs it. Wale isn't at last year's level, but he should do better now that his featured event is secured as opposed to trying to do too much in 2021.
1500 - Don't think this is necessarily their best team. Tefera is still listed in the Oslo 5,000 and not the dream mile. Kinda weird, but he's obviously in top shape. Wondering if the theory from his coach is he's overcooked it in the past and run better indoors/ early outdoors and then is no longer sharp for the rounds. I would've waited to see how Zeleke ran before giving the other 2 the slots based on 2021 results
Looks like Zeleke is IN and not Abate. Correct decision. Really excited to see the 17-year-old Ermias Girma in the 800. Interesting that Tsegay has opted for the 5,000. Their 800 women's team will be interesting as outside of Alemu, Welteji and Hailu strike me as more 1500m-centric runners. We'll see how they do with the rounds.
Ethiopian Team for Oregon World Championships - translated.
General thoughts: 5000m- Very strong team. Yes, it would be better if you swapped Bekele for Barega or Gebrhiwet (who must be injured). Edris is in way better form than we are used to at this juncture. He trains with Kejelcha/Worku and clearly that group is hitting on all cylinders right now. My one concern with this squad is within the closing stages can we trust Kejelcha/Aregawi to deliver the last 100 meters.
10000m- Strong top two. Mengesha is running decently but yes you'd rather put in Aregawi. It's worth noting in the early season Ethiopian champs he kicked really well to get 2nd against many of the usual characters. Maybe he will be better in a slower race if that's how it goes in Eugene.
Steeple - Ethiopia is the new Kenya in the Steeple. Girma likely finishes 1st or 2nd. Other 2 guys very much in the mix for bronze. Tegegn just outkicked Ebenyo to win the African Games 5,000 gold. I think Girma could drop a 12:50 5,000 if he runs it. Wale isn't at last year's level, but he should do better now that his featured event is secured as opposed to trying to do too much in 2021.
1500 - Don't think this is necessarily their best team. Tefera is still listed in the Oslo 5,000 and not the dream mile. Kinda weird, but he's obviously in top shape. Wondering if the theory from his coach is he's overcooked it in the past and run better indoors/ early outdoors and then is no longer sharp for the rounds. I would've waited to see how Zeleke ran before giving the other 2 the slots based on 2021 results
Mmm, I'm good with TH Bekele. At least he's in shape right now. Agreed on Edris. I trust Aregawi.
Kejelcha is unpredictable these days -- talented as ever, but not sure what version will turn up at a championship final. I think he's a better pick over 5000m than 10000m.
Not sure about Tefera -- maybe they just needed Indoors to believe in him? Frankly, I think this interesting buildup might play out better for him. He's always struggled in the rounds outdoors. Building strength to survive back to back races in Eugene now, then racing the DL circuit after.
Mengesha is excellent but yeah he shouldn't be running. Shame they don't allow doubles.
Mmm, I'm good with TH Bekele. At least he's in shape right now. Agreed on Edris. I trust Aregawi.
Kejelcha is unpredictable these days -- talented as ever, but not sure what version will turn up at a championship final. I think he's a better pick over 5000m than 10000m.
Not sure about Tefera -- maybe they just needed Indoors to believe in him? Frankly, I think this interesting buildup might play out better for him. He's always struggled in the rounds outdoors. Building strength to survive back to back races in Eugene now, then racing the DL circuit after.
Mengesha is excellent but yeah he shouldn't be running. Shame they don't allow doubles.
Yeah, TH Bekele isn't bad by any means, and if he gets to his 2019 form we know the ceiling is high (12:52, 4th at WCs). I'm certainly good with them trusting Tefera. His racing record this year has been that good (if almost exclusively indoors).
I tend to believe in Kejelcha, I think he picked up an injury during/right before Tokyo. I also like him more at 5,000 than 10,000 with his speed.
Looks like Zeleke is IN and not Abate. Correct decision. Really excited to see the 17-year-old Ermias Girma in the 800. Interesting that Tsegay has opted for the 5,000. Their 800 women's team will be interesting as outside of Alemu, Welteji and Hailu strike me as more 1500m-centric runners. We'll see how they do with the rounds.
I believe his full name is Samuel Abate Zeleke. 3:34.80 after loosing some seconds at the start in Rabat; also entered in Oslo Dream Mile. The main man to miss out at 1500m I'd say is Tadesse Lemi 3:33 indoors and 4th at World Indoors. Mind you he was only 5th at the African Championships two days ago. With one spot still potentially open at 800m maybe Tadesse Lemi (1:44.68 PB last year) can still have a shot at a place on the team if he runs the time soon. Qualifying window closes 26 June.
I believe his full name is Samuel Abate Zeleke. 3:34.80 after loosing some seconds at the start in Rabat; also entered in Oslo Dream Mile. The main man to miss out at 1500m I'd say is Tadesse Lemi 3:33 indoors and 4th at World Indoors. Mind you he was only 5th at the African Championships two days ago. With one spot still potentially open at 800m maybe Tadesse Lemi (1:44.68 PB last year) can still have a shot at a place on the team if he runs the time soon. Qualifying window closes 26 June.
You are correct, that is confusing ha. Lemi yes he didn't make it but that African Champs had to doom him in tne end. He should've been close to the top 2 there if he was in the same form as late indoors/early outdoors.
Such a great team, this. This is the year recovers from the slump. I believe they've only managed one gold medal at every global championship since Rio 2016. The bad news is when Ethiopia recovers, Kenya slumps. Always cyclical.