Ethiopian Athletes dominate Hengelo’s 10,000m race

Hengelo, the Netherlands – Ethiopian athletes dominated the 10,000m at the 30^th Fanny Blankers-Koen Games here today when they took nine of the top ten spots.

Tariku Bekele, younger brother of Kenenisa, finished first in 27.11.70 clocking the fastest time of 2012, followed by fellow compatriots Lelisa Desisa (27:11.98), Sileshi Sihine (27:12.60) and Gebregziabher Gebremariam (27:13.66).

Teklemariam Medhin of Eritrea (27:16.69) came in fifth, followed by 5 more Ethiopian athletes, including legendary athlete Haile Gebrselassie, who finished a disappointing seventh place (27:20.39), and thus failed to make the cut for the Ethiopian team at the London Olympics.

Although he missed qualification for a fourth Olympic appearance Gebrselassie was wearing his usual broad smile, according to IAAF.org.

The 10,000m at this IAAF World Challenge Meeting was an Ethiopian qualification race for the London Olympic Games.

Ethiopia will be represented in the 10,000m at the London Games by Kenenisa Bekele, the defending champion, who is already qualified and the top two finishers Tariku Bekele and Lelisa Desisa.

10,000m Results:

*The remaining athletes are all from Ethiopia