Is Getaneh Molla the Next Kenenisa Bekele for Ethiopia

Getaneh Molla’s victory at the 34th Jan Meda International Cross Country confirmed his place in Ethiopia’s team for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships Kampala 2017

ADDIS ABABA (IAAF)–There is always excitement in Ethiopia when an athlete comes along to simultaneously hold national titles in cross country and on the track. Fascination takes over about his running style, comparisons are made with the country’s crop of past champions, and anticipation builds ahead of his or her next international foray.

So one can imagine the euphoria which greeted Getaneh Molla last month when he crossed the finish line at the 34th Jan Meda International Cross Country to take the senior men’s 10km title in Addis Ababa. The victory not only triumphantly confirmed his place in Ethiopia’s team for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships Kampala 2017, but completed a unique double of two national titles in cross country and the 5000m on the track. Comparisons were quickly drawn with the last Ethiopian to master both the track and the cross with equal success- Kenenisa Bekele.

“Comparing me against Kenenisa [Bekele] is impractical,” says Molla. “Kenenisa is a unique creature. He is my inspiration and I have always admired him. This is a huge complement. It will help me realize my potential.”

Getaneh Molla: Big responsibility on Wold Cross debut

With his record five short and long course double titles between 2002 and 2006, Bekele is the undisputed king of the mud and will not easily be emulated by future champions especially after the unfolding of the short course race in 2011.

In Kampala, however, Molla has set his sights on a first title on his world cross debut and hopes to become the first Ethiopian in six years to win a senior men’s title following Imane Merga’s victory in 2011.

Read the complete story at IAAF
——
See also: