Kenenisa omitted from Ethiopia’s Rio 2016 Olympics marathon team

Three-time Olympic champion, Kenenisa Bekele, was left out of Ethiopia’s Rio 2016 Olympics marathon team.

In addition to him, Yemane Tsegay, a record holder of Ottawa marathon, Canada, was excluded from the team. But, he was named in the reserve team.

In the men’s side, Ethiopia will be represented by Lemi Berhanu, Tesfaye Abera, Feyisa Lelissa and Lelisa Desisa.

Similarly, Tigist Tufa, Mare Dibaba, Tirfi Tsegaye and Aberu Kebede were included in Ethiopia’s women marathon team.

Some 12 athletes, including Kenenisa Bekele, submitted complaints to the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF), expressing their dissatisfaction with the selection criteria.  

The athletes, including Kenenisa, were omitted from the team for failing to meet the requirements, said the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF).

However, in an exclusive interview with FBC, Kenenisa questioned the fairness of the selection.

“The selection lacks transparency and is not convincing,” he said.

General Secretary EAF, Bililign Mekoya, said the selection was carried out based on clearly stated selection criteria.

The athletes can summit their complaints to the federation and if it is necessary, decisions could be reversed, he added.

 Source: Fana Broadcasting