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Ethiopia's reigning World and Olympic Champion Gezahegne
Abera took another step towards the 'halls' of the running
greats when he won the Fukuoka International Marathon for
the third successive time.
Abera again used his now famous, infamous for his opponents,
kick to assure victory. This takes Abera ever closer to the
'legend' Bikila who is considered the Ethiopian Marathoner
of all time. The great Bikila won the Olympic Marathon on
two occasions and broke the World Best on both occasions to
boot.
Abera has less chance of breaking the World Best [record]
at a major championships, not only because of the courses
being unsuitable, but also the fact that TV coverage dictates
the starting time. However, he will be forever revered if
he is able to defend his Olympic title in 2004 as well having
the opportunity to defend his World Championship title in
2003.
The Ethiopian was closely followed on this occasion by Japanese
hope Tsuyoshi Ogata, who finally got to realise 'part' of
his expected marathon potential when finishing 2nd in 2:09:15.
Filling 3rd spot was Kenyan Eric Wainaina in 2:10:08, closely
followed in 4th spot by the European Marathon 2002 silver
medalist from Estonia, Pavel Loskutov in 2:10:14.
source Time-to-Run |
