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Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele has shared how he had to withstand pain to finish his race at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ethiopian athletics great Kenenisa Bekele has revealed that a hamstring injury was the reason behind his poor performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Veteran Bekele was seen as one of the athletes to vie for a medal, despite being 41, following his impressive second place finish at the London Marathon in April, but struggled on the tough course of Paris, finishing a disappointing 39th after clocking 2:12:24.
Bekele has now explained how he had to keep going despite the hamstring struggle to avoid pulling out of the race like some of his rivals, among them Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge.
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16:17 - 17.08.2024
Tamirat Tola shares how Eliud Kipchoge & Kenenisa Bekele inspired him to Olympic glory in Paris
Tamirat Tola has recounted how toeing the line for the men's marathon alongside Kenenisa Bekele and Eliud Kipchoge inspired him to give his all for Olympic glory.
“Despite my best preparations for the Paris Olympics, I faced a tough challenge with a hamstring injury during the marathon,” Bekele posted on social media on Saturday.
“At 10 kilometers in, the pain became intense, and I thought about dropping out at 15 kilometers. But my love for my country, Ethiopia, pushed me to keep going and finish the race, no matter the pain.”
Bekele says his decision to hang in and finish was inspired by the desire to maintain the Olympics spirit and appears not ready to hung his spikes yet even if Paris was his final Olympics appearance.
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11:07 - 09.08.2024
Eliud Kipchoge vs Kenenisa Bekele: 5 things to know about epic Paris Olympics marathon course
Discover the unique challenges and historical significance of the Paris Olympics marathon course, where legends will race against time.
“The Olympics isn't just about winning medals; it's about showing resilience and determination. I’m now resting and receiving treatment, and I’m starting to feel better step by step,” he added.
“Thank you to all my fellow Ethiopians, fans around the world, family, and friends for your incredible support. I ran for you, and I won’t give up!”
The Olympics marathon race proved tough for may with the humid conditions, plus to the hilly course, adding to their troubles.
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17:30 - 14.08.2024
Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola rewarded after ending Kenya's marathon reign at Olympics
Olympic marathon gold medallist Tamirat Tola honored by Ethiopia after record-breaking victory at Paris Olympics
Bekele’s Ethiopian compatriot Tamirat Tola ended his country’s wait for an Olympics marathon gold when he won the race in an Olympics record time of 2:06:26, followed by Belgian Bashir Abdi (2:06:47) as Kenya’s Benson Kipruto clocked 2:07:00 for third place.
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