Kenenisa addresses Paris Olympics setback, future

Kenenisa Bekele has revealed that he picked up a hamstring injury during the Olympic marathon but held on to finish in 2:12:24. 

Bekele, whose rematch against Eliud Kipchoge in Paris had been a talking point ahead of the Summer Games says he had 'intense pain' at 10km and was close to calling it quits 5km later but held on to complete for the love of his country. 

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"Despite my best preparations for the Paris Olympics, I faced a tough challenge with a hamstring injury during the marathon. At 10 kilometers in, the pain became intense, and I thought about dropping out at 15 kilometers. But my love for my country, Ethiopia, pushed me to keep going and finish the race, no matter the pain," the 42-year-old took to his social media platforms to express. 

While thanking his fans for the support despite his show during the Summer Games, Bekele says he is recovering well but promised not to give up. 

"The Olympics isn't just about winning medals; it's about showing resilience and determination. I’m now resting and receiving treatment and I’m starting to feel better step by step. Thank you to all my fellow Ethiopians, fans around the world, family, and friends for your incredible support. I ran for you, and I won't give up! (sic)," he continued. 

In the lead up to the Paris Olympics marathon, Kenenisa had raced the London Marathon, finishing second behind Kenya's Alexander Mutiso, breaking his own Masters record by 4 seconds running 2:04:15.