Looking at the picture above, one can almost tell what is going through Meseret Defar's mind. This is the fifth time in the last four years that she has found herself in such an unpleasant territory in a major championship. And it is the first time she has been beaten in a 3000m indoor race, and by an hitherto unknown athlete. The writing is clearly on the wall.
Meseret Defar is one of the greatest athletes ever. We all remember and admire her duels with Tirunesh Dibaba and the manner in which she runs her races passionately. She represents beauty that Ethiopian women are known for. Every time she steps on the track, we are sure of a fast time-in most cases a world lead or a world record. She always runs to win, not play a second fiddle to someone else. Together with Tirunesh and Meselech Melkamu, she has inspired and brought the best in Vivian Cheruiyot, Linet Masai, Sylvia Kibet and now Helen Obiri and the likes of Mercy Cherono. It is therefore disturbing to see a person who has done sooo much to lift up the sport so disappointed every time. In my opinion, I think it is time for her to move up the distance to the marathons. After all she did very well in her first and only half marathon where she posted 1:07:45. I think she can could debut in the marathon in a sub 2:20. What do you guys think?