The GOAT is back. Let's be honest, we all thought this was just another Bekele appearance fee DNF and that his glory days are long behind him. He cleary, very clearly, has still got it.
Bekele always ran well heartbroken, now that life is good it's hard to get the motivation. He still got it but he is that ''run on hate'' kind of a runner. Don't count him out just yet ;)
The legend has returned. Let’s be real. Most of us assumed this would just be another Bekele-style appearance fee DNF, & that his best years were behind him. But he just proved, without a doubt, that he still has what it takes.
The legend has returned. Let’s be real. Most of us assumed this would just be another Bekele-style appearance fee DNF, & that his best years were behind him. But he just proved, without a doubt, that he still has what it takes.
Actually, he faded away into nothingness. No more records. And all the DNF's also have stained his legacy a lot. His rivals - El G and Kipchoge - have managed much better to "age gracefully".
2nd in London to set the masters wr just two years ago and make the Olympic team. Still holds the Ethiopian marathon record. Show some goddamn respect!
Actually, he faded away into nothingness. No more records. And all the DNF's also have stained his legacy a lot. His rivals - El G and Kipchoge - have managed much better to "age gracefully".
What are you talking about? Bekele broke twice the M40 marathon World record in 2023 and 2024. El G retired when he was 30 years old and Kipchoge never broke a M40 record.
2nd in London to set the masters wr just two years ago and make the Olympic team. Still holds the Ethiopian marathon record. Show some goddamn respect!
Absolutely not. Especially considering what he used to be. Masters WR and at least 8 DNF's is not it.
Some legends managed to ruin their legacy and Bekele is one of them. Kipchoge has showed us how it's done correctly.
Actually, he faded away into nothingness. No more records. And all the DNF's also have stained his legacy a lot. His rivals - El G and Kipchoge - have managed much better to "age gracefully".
What are you talking about? Bekele broke twice the M40 marathon World record in 2023 and 2024. El G retired when he was 30 years old and Kipchoge never broke a M40 record.
M40 record has very little meaning and definitely does not offset at least 8 DNF's. Lagat has a M40 record, but without walking off the race a bunch of times in the process.
What are you talking about? Bekele broke twice the M40 marathon World record in 2023 and 2024. El G retired when he was 30 years old and Kipchoge never broke a M40 record.
M40 record has very little meaning and definitely does not offset at least 8 DNF's. Lagat has a M40 record, but without walking off the race a bunch of times in the process.
Master performance and records are a good way to objectively measure if someone "ages gracefully", as per your own words.
Lagat doesn’t hold one M40 record, but five: 1500m, mile, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m. Plus marathon M45.
M40 record has very little meaning and definitely does not offset at least 8 DNF's. Lagat has a M40 record, but without walking off the race a bunch of times in the process.
Master performance and records are a good way to objectively measure if someone "ages gracefully", as per your own words.
Lagat doesn’t hold one M40 record, but five: 1500m, mile, 3000m, 5000m, 10000m. Plus marathon M45.
Yeah, Bolt didn't do that. A true GOAT retires right before they can't dominate no more. I will never be able to erase the images of chubby Bekele walking off the course into the city from my mind.
All these age group records show mental inability to part from the sport and move to a position of a coach / ambassador / whatever else. It's like Madona, getting countless surgeries to stay on stage not knowing when it's enough.