Sheger Tribune

Kenenisa Bekele Ready To 

Defend World Title

He is searching for his fifth world title in the 10,000m.

One of the best distance runners in history, Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia, will be making a long-expected comeback at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea later this month. At 29 years of age, Bekele has never lost a 10,000m race on the track.

But things may be difficult for Bekele this time around. Back in February, 2010 he ruptured a muscle in his right calf and has not raced since last January.

Jos Hermens, Bekele’s manager, remains upbeat, however.

“He is going to Daegu and [will] run. He is training well,” he said. Since 2003, the Ethiopian star has logged some impressive performances. He’s claimed two Olympic titles, four world titles, and two world records. If Bekele wins the 10,000m, he will be the first runner in any distance to win five world titles.

With six world titles, Sergei Bubka, the famous pole vaulter who competed for the Soviet Union and the Ukraine, is the only athlete to have more.

“Once it goes well, you never know, he might do everything,” said Hermens. ”He has surprised me so many times.”