Berlin (CNN) — Kenenisa Bekele once again laid claim to being the greatest distance runner in history by completing the 5000 – 10,000 meters double at the world championships in Berlin.
The Ethiopian star outkicked defending champion Bernard Lagat of the United States to claim gold in the 5000 on the final day of the championships on Sunday in a time of 13 minutes 17.09 seconds.
A slow run race appeared to play into the hands of Lagat, who had taken a bronze medal in the 1500 meters, but the incredible Bekele showed his determination to hold him off in the home straight.
James Kwalia C’Kurui of Qatar took bronze.
Kenenisa Bekele, who holds the world records for the longest distance events on the track, backed up the double he achieved at last year’s Beijing Olympics.
It was his first victory over 5000 at a world championships to back up his four titles over his stronger 10,000 distance.
Bahrain’s 1500m world champion Yusuf Kamel later failed in his bid for double gold, taking a bronze in a scrappy men’s 800m final.
South Africa’s Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, who took silver at the 2004 Olympics, held off a clutch of medal contenders in the home straight to win in one minute 45.29 seconds with Kenya’s Alfred Yego claiming the silver.
Malaudzi’s gold followed the controversial victory of compatriot Caster Semenya in the women’s 800.
The IAAF revealed that Semenya is having to undergo a gender verification test, but with Malaudzi is set to receive a warm welcome on return to South Africa later this week.
There was also a controversial finish to the women’s 1500m as Natalia Rodriguez of Spain was disqualified for tripping favorite Gelete Burka of Ethiopia.
It left defending champion Maryam Jamal of Bahrain with the gold medal.
She edged Lisa Dobriskey of Britain on the line with Shannon Rowbury of the United States taking bronze.
Rodriguez clearly shoved the diminutive Burka with 200m to go, sending her sprawling to the track.
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FORUM | 3 Comments
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow!!!
Kenenisa;
I don’t have a word!It is unbelievable!! You are super star!!
Minew Ethiopia endante ayinet shih beweledech!!
Lezelalem nurilin!!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:05 PM
This is a very great achievement. I am very excited about it. This is what we really want to hear from Ethiopians. We are tired of the damn politics. At least we have one thing that we can proud of…. thanks to the incredible athlete (K. Bekele)
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:18 PM
He wins smiling. He is a great athlet. Others are wining v……..
Kenenisa !!! we are happy of you brother. great
Egziabher yemesgen
Thanks God
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:39 PM