Ethiopian Athletics Federation bans Olympic Champions, Coaches & Managers

Addis Abeba, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) said that it has indefinitely banned 35 athletes, including Olympic Champions Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba, for failing to report to camp in preparation of the 2012 London Olympic Games, said technical director Dube Jilo in an interview with Sheger FM 102.1.

He said that discipline shall not be compromised and warned that there are capable athletes in the country who can fill in the vacant spots.

However, the ban would be reconsidered as soon as the athletes report for training, he said .

Jilo further noted that a number of coaches and athletes managers were also banned for failing to present their credentials to the federation as the rules stipulate.

Atheltes who are banned are:

5,000m & 10,000m:

Men: Kenenisa Bekele, Sileshi Sihine, Tariku Bekele, Tilahun Regassa, Dino Sifir, Ayele Abshiro, Getaneh Molla, Lelisa Desisa and Hunegnaw Mesfin.

Women:  Tirunesh Dibaba, Meselech Melkamu, Wude Ayalew, Firehiwot Goshu, Ruth Aga, Kidist Lema, Waganesh Mekasha and Tsigereda Girma.

1,500m
Women:  Kalkidan Gezahegn and Tizita Bogale. 

3,000m Steeplechase:

Women:  Etenesh Diro, Mekdes Bekelle and Hiwot Ayalew.

Marathon:

Men: Abraham Cherkos

Women:  Mamitu Deska, Tiki Gelana, Mare Dibaba, Koreni Jelila, Bizunesh Bekelle, Aberu Kebede, Aselefech Merga, Merema Mohammed, Atsede Habtabmu, Shitaye Bedasso, Atsede Bayisa and Genet Getaneh.

Athletes’ Managers Representatives and coaches banned include Getaneh Tessema (Gete Wami’s husband), Gemedu Dodofa, Geta Zeru, Haji Adelo, Elias Kebede and Abraham Shiferaw.