In a significant recognition of his remarkable career, Ethiopian long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele has been awarded the title of Best African Athlete of the 21st Century by the American international sports channel ESPN.
The announcement celebrates Bekele’s outstanding achievements and cements his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of his time.
ESPN’s selection process for the best African athletes of the 21st century was a challenging task, given the continent’s vast size and the multitude of sports disciplines.
In addition to Kenenisa Bekele, the list includes another renowned Ethiopian athlete, Tirunesh Dibaba, who has also made significant contributions to the world of athletics.
The sports channel highlighted the difficulty of narrowing down the top 25 athletes from Africa, mentioning other prominent figures like Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto’o, both of whom have achieved extraordinary success in their respective sports.
Kenenisa Bekele expressed his happiness and gratitude on his social media pages, acknowledging the honor of being named the best African sportsman of the 21st century.
Bekele’s dominance in long-distance running is well-documented; he held world records in the 10,000 meters and 5,000 meters for many years and was unbeaten in these events throughout the 2000s.
Bekele’s career boasts an impressive array of accolades, including three Olympic gold medals, five World Championship gold medals, and eleven gold medals in cross-country running.
Additionally, he has won the prestigious Berlin Marathon twice, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.
Tirunesh Dibaba, another Ethiopian long-distance running star, was also recognized by ESPN as one of the best African athletes of the 21st century.
Dibaba has won three Olympic gold medals and numerous gold medals in various international competitions, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.
The ESPN report also featured 25 other exceptional African athletes, including Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto’o, Zimbabwean swimmer Kirsty Coventry, and Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba.
Each of these athletes has made significant contributions to their respective sports and brought pride to their nations.
Looking ahead, Kenenisa Bekele is set to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will commence in just one week. Bekele, a three-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion, will represent Ethiopia in the marathon event.
He will be joined by fellow Ethiopian athletes Sisay Lema and Derese Geleta in the men’s marathon, while Tigist Asefa, Amane Beriso, and Megertu Alemu will represent Ethiopia in the women’s marathon.
Expectations are high for the Ethiopian team, with hopes that both the men’s and women’s teams will bring home medals.
Kenenisa Bekele’s recognition as the Best African Athlete of the 21st Century is a testament to his extraordinary talent, dedication, and impact on the world of athletics.
His achievements continue to inspire future generations of athletes, both in Ethiopia and around the globe.
