The stage is set for an epic showdown at the Paris 2024 Olympics as Kenenisa Bekele has been named in Ethiopia’s marathon squad, setting up a thrilling clash with Kenyan legend Eliud Kipchoge on August 10th.
Bekele, a three-time Olympic champion over 5,000m and 10,000m, last appeared at the Games in London 2012, where he finished fourth. However, his recent second-placed finish in the London Marathon has earned him a spot in the squad to face off against Kipchoge.
The rivalry between Bekele and Kipchoge dates back to their first meeting at the 2003 World Championships in Paris, where Kipchoge took gold in the 5,000m. Over the years, they have battled it out on the track and in marathons, with each athlete claiming victories and setting records.
Kipchoge, who has established himself as a marathon great since 2013, will be aiming to make history by becoming the first person to win three successive Olympic marathons, following his victories at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
With Bekele’s return to the Olympics after a 12-year gap, excitement is running high among athletics fans. This could be the final showdown between two of the sport’s all-time legends, with both athletes looking to leave their mark on the greatest stage of all. As the countdown to Paris 2024 begins, all eyes will be on Bekele and Kipchoge as they prepare to renew their epic rivalry once again.