If boxing is a good chance for a black American guy to succeed in life, then athletics is a good chance for an Ethiopian. One of the clearest examples of this statement is the story of Kenenisa Bekele, an African runner who forever inscribed his name in the annals of world sports.
From the article, the reader will learn how the star of the young Ethiopian stayer rose to the Olympus of athletics. The article focuses on Kenenisa Bekele's approach to training, his physiological data, and the peculiarities of running technique. Interesting information about the athlete's personal life, his hobbies and outlook on life is also offered.
Road to Glory
The great African runner was born on August 13, 1982 in the Ethiopian city of Bakoji. In the same city, the Dibaba sisters were born - also famous African long-distance runners in the future. Kenenisa was the second child of six in his family, which is considered quite normal by African standards. By the way, Kenenisa's brother Tariku also trains in the Ethiopian national team and even won a gold medal at the World Championships in the 3000meters.
The Bekele family was engaged in agriculture. Raising livestock and growing crops allowed the guy to spend a lot of time outdoors.
According to Kenenisa himself, his acquaintance with running began quite early, from the school bench. For knowledge, the future world sports star had to walk 10 kilometers in one direction every day for 10 years. In fact, it turned out that running to overcome the distance to school is much more pleasant and useful. At first, the boy ran this distance in an hour, but then he grew up and doubled his result. So the first steps were taken on the way to a brighter future. Here, it turns out, lies the secret of the sports training of runners of this magnitude.
In an educational institution, the future great stayer distinguished himself several times, winning school crosses. In 1999, the young man was noticed and sent to defend the honor of the school at the provincial championship. Kenenisa then confidently took first place. This victory gave the athlete a ticket not only to the national championship, but also to big sport.
One of the idols for the young man was Haile Gibreselassie, the long distance running legend. However, this did not stop Kenenisa Bekele from breaking many records of the famous runner.
Success in sports
At the national championship, Bekele was on the 6th line, which, of course, was considered a success, given the huge competition in the national team. The rising track and field athletics star was noticed by professional running coaches. The runner was asked to compete for a professional sportsclub Mugher Cement.
At the age of 19, the young man showed his potential by winning the silver medal of the junior world championship in the 5000 meters.
Since 2002, Kenenisa Bekele's sports career has taken off sharply.
The most significant awards of an athlete can be called gold in the "top ten" and silver in the "five" at the Olympics in Athens, gold medals in similar disciplines in Beijing 2008.
The athlete is a four-time world champion in the 10 km run, the world champion in 2009 in the "five". Moreover, Bekele is known as one of the most decorated cross-country runners. Stayer has won more than 15 World Cross Country Championships!
Bekele, despite being 35 years old, continues to stay in shape and show good results. As is often the case with track and field athletes, with age he began to try his hand at running longer distances. For example, in 2016, the athlete won the Berlin Marathon and set a personal record of 2 hours 3 minutes and 4 seconds. It turns out that the runner covered 42 kilometers 125 meters at a speed of over 20 kilometers per hour!
In the 25 km run, Kenenisa Bekele set a personal best in December 2017, covering the distance in 1 hour, 13 minutes and 43 seconds.
The athlete still holds world records in the 5K and 10K runs.
Characteristicqualities and characteristics of an athlete
One of the main characteristics of the stayer is small height and weight. Kenenisa Bekele weighs 56 kilograms with a height of 165 centimeters. Many legends of world long distance running have similar indicators. For example, Mo Farah weighs 58 kilograms with a height of 165 centimeters. Haile Gibresilassie in his best years was only 2 kilograms lighter than Bekele. The weight of Kenenisa Bekele allows him to run “from the toe” for a long time, making huge jumps. A similar running technique is typical for many Ethiopian athletes.
Kenenis Bekele pays special attention to finishing accelerations during training. The last 400 meters of the "ten" this athlete is able to run faster than 54 seconds, which is an excellent finish for the stayer.
Private life and social activities
Kenenisa is married to Ethiopian actress Danavi Gebregzager. The couple has three children, all girls. Over the past few years, the athlete has been gradually “resetting” and trying to spend more time with his family.
Bekele is a UN Goodwill Ambassador, devotes a lot of time and money to the problems of modern Africa.
