Mon, August 24, 2009
BERLIN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia won his first men's 5,000 meters world title to complete a golden double at the 12th World Championships here on Sunday.
The 27-year-old duplicated his Olympic success and equaled the feat of fellow countrywoman Tirunesh Dibaba, who won both world titles in 2005.
Bekele took the lead in the race which turned out to be a real slow one. He was in the lead with 200m to go and seemingly running away from the rest, but things changed at the start of the final straight where American Bernard Lagat caught up with the Ethiopian and passed him as well.
But when everyone thought Bekele had finally been beaten, the 10,000m champion came back taking another title in the end in a time of 13:17.09.
Lagat finished in second place in 13:17.33, adding to the bronze he won in 1500m. Qatari James Kwalia took the bronze in 13:07.78.
It was Bekele's 24th major championships title.
"It was a hard race," said Bekele. "Everybody was very strong, but I'm so happy I did well, I did better. I'm so happy about my performance. I'm also happy for my country. I'm the first athlete from Ethiopia to win this race at the World Championships.
"Berlin is a special place. I'll never forget this race. I won double gold and I'm so happy."
He said that he was cofident that Lagat would have no chance. "I know he can't beat me at this pace. "
Lagat said, "In the last 100m there were two guys who wanted to win. I thought I was going to have it, but Bekele was stronger. I gave everything I had. You will see me again, for a long, long time."
But he said he'll improve in the future.
"I will be getting stronger next year. I am especially looking forward to the London Olympics. I am excited about the future. I lost my title, but I am very happy with what I achieved today. I already got a bronze in the 1.500m and today I got the silver medal."
