Paris 2024: Bekele, Assefa headline strong Ethiopian marathon teams

Veteran Ethiopian long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele will make his fourth appearance at the Olympic Games after making to the final marathon team.

The Ethiopian federation released the final three in each category with Bekele’s name headlining the men’s list.

Bekele, who will be returning for the first time since the 2012 edition in London will for the first time represent his country in the marathon in the Games.

He has previously won four Olympic medals (three gold, one silver) across the 5,000m and 10,000m events, at Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008).

Bekele, secured the slot in the team following his second-place finish in the London Marathon held last month.

He finished behind Alexander Munyao Mutiso who is in the Kenyan team alongside; two-time champion Eliud Kipchoge and Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto.

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Bekele will enjoy the company of Boston Marathon champion Sisay Lema and Deresa Geleta.

Record holder Tigist Assefa headlines the women’s finalists.

Just like Bekele, Assefa finished second in the London Marathon, behind reigning Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir.

Assefa broke to the limelight in September last year when she obliterated the record in the Berlin Marathon, timing, two hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds.

Joining Assefa on the Ethiopian is the 2023 world champion Amane Beriso who has finished in the top three of her last six marathons.

Megertu Alemu also made the cut.

The three Ethiopians battle it with Jepchirchir, silver medalist Brigid Kosgei, and two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri who will be making her debut in the Games marathon race.