Ethiopia
Despite protests over the exclusion of Ethiopia’s long distance champion, Kenenisa Bekele from representing his country in the Rio Olympics in August, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation said on Wednesday that they will not reconsider their selection criteria to make room for the runner.
The officials insist that Bekele did not met the set of rules that would see him become part of a four-man team.
“We have a criteria to select athletes for the Olympic Games, unfortunately one of our best and most famous athlete has not met these requirements. If we don’t take Kenenisa to the Games, it is not because we hate him, it is because he did not gather enough points during the selection to go to the games,” said the Ethiopian Athletics Federation president Alebachew Nigusse
Ethiopian officials: Bekele won't make Olympic marathon team. https://t.co/jRqB0XUce7 #RoadToRio
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) June 8, 2016
Bekele is a three-time Olympic champion and the 5,000 and 10000 metres world record holder.
He had an Achilles heel injury that left him out for the better part of the past year.
He criticized the officials by saying they “lack competence” and “most are chasing personal interests” and threatened to never run for his mother land again.
Bekele garnered support from fellow Ethiopian great Haile Gebrselassie and more than 100 other athletes who protested against the federation’s decision.
However, the officials reiterated their stance and said that they are not willing to entertain ideas or recommendations that do not come through the right procedure.
AFP
01:34
Brazil: Indigenous people gather for week-long protest in Brasilia
02:53
The Basketball Africa League, a boon for talents and sports infrastructure
00:49
London Marathon: Women's-only world record, Kenyan double victory
01:12
Countdown: Paris is due for the 2024 Olympics in less than 100 days
00:59
Donors pledge $630 million for conflict-hit Ethiopia
00:48
Corpses found adrift in boat off Brazil likely migrants from Mauritania, Mali - Police