Kenenisa disappointed with Ethiopia’s bad result at Rio Games
Addis Ababa –Olympic and World record holder in both men’s 5,000m and 10,000m events, Kenenisa Bekele, has expressed his disappointment with Ethiopia’s bad result at the Rio Olympics.
With one gold, two silver and five bronze medals, Ethiopia finished 44th in the medal table and 3rd from Africa.
“The result at the 31st Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro is shocking and turned Ethiopia’s athletics back,” Kenenisa told FBC yesterday.
“I’m very much disappointed with the bad result at Rio Olympics. But given the preparations, the result was expected,” he added.
“Currently, Ethiopia’s athletics sector is at risk,” Kenenisa indicated.
The preparations made for Rio by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF), coupled with problems in the selection of athletes, negatively contributed for the bad result, he said.
Kenenisa mentioned lack of strong and competent coaches, problems in selection of sufficient and fit athletes, use of similar athletes in various competitions and lack of professionalism at EAF as the main causes for the bad result.
Problems in the training process and the Federation’s planning without having adequate knowledge on the kind of competitions were also mentioned as the main reasons for the result.
The Olympic and World record holder questioned the technical ability of Ethiopian athletics team coaches.
Kenenisa also called for a radical change at the Federation so as to save Ethiopia’s falling athletics sector. It also urged the government to give prime attention to the sector.
Source: Fana Broadcasting
