New marathon kings

The Kenyans have dominated the marathon for quite some time but it seems it won’t be long before new kings of the road are proclaimed. Although Kenyan Eluid Kipchoge still holds the world record of  2:01:39,  the Ethiopians have served notice  that they are ready  to dislodge the Kenyans not only in the marathon, but in other athletics events. Actually, the Ethiopians already gave an indication that they will soon be a force to reckon with in the future as early as the Sixties. In the 1960 Rome Olympics , Abebe  Bikila, running barefooted, stunned the favorites when he won the marathon.  He bought a new pair of shoes in Rome but blisters forced him to run without the shoes. In 1964, Bikila became the first back-to-back winner when he won the Tokyo Olympics Marathon, this time wearing shoes. The frst Ethiopian gold medalist clocked 2:12:11.  In the 1968 Mexico Olympics, Mamo Wolde, who failed to win in Japan, upset his mentor Bikila when he won the marathon in his first try. Bikila did not finish the race after suffering an injury midway. Enter Haile Gebrselassie, who ruled the 10,000 meters before breaking world records in the marathon. Geberselassie, who stands only 5’5”, won two Olympics gold medals, first in Alanta (1996) and in Sydney (2000). Then in 2007, he broke the word record when he clocked 2:04:26 in the Berlin Marathon and again broke his own record when he registered 2:03:59, also in Berlin. 

2021 Berlin Marathon

In the recent 2021  Berlin Marathon, the unseeded Adola Guye of Ethiopia, surprised a strong field that included compatriot Kenenisa Bekele who was aiming to break Kipchoge’s world record. A fast start, however, spoiled Bekele’s drive as he lost steam in the homestretch to finish third in 2:06:49.  Blame it on the pacers who started too fast. Guye timed 2:05:45 in a hot and humid race day. Kenyan Bethwel Yegon wound up second in 2:06:14. Another  Ethiopian, Tadu Abate came in fourth in 2:08:24 while Kenyan Cosmas Muteti, salvaged fifth in 2:08:45.  it was the same story in the distaff side as Gotytom Gebreslase won in 2:20:09 while compatriot Helen Tola pocketed third in 2:23:05.  Demise Shure took fifth in 2:24:58.  So that’s four Ethiopians in the top five.  Other  outstanding , women marathoners include Derartu Tulu, who won the 10,000m gold in the Sydney Olympics and another 10,000 in Athens in 2004, Tirunesh Dibaba 10,000m (2008 Beijing Olympics) 10,000m (2016 Rio Olympics), Atsede Baysa 2016 Boston Marathon champion and Buzunesh Deba 2014 Boston Marathon champion.  It’s a crime not to mention Lemi Hayle 2016 Boston Marathon men’s champion and Yemane Tsegaye, 2015 Boston Marathon men’s runner-up.  Hail to the kings.

Hasta La Vista Tito Nene

It  seems the tears won’t stop falling.  Just the other day, another dear friend bid his final “Adios” Tito Hever “Nene” Bascon was the brother of Tito Dodong Bascon who settled in Bacolod City and helped sports in the city.  Remember the Negros Sashers? Tito Nene played for De La Salle Archers in the early days of the NCAA.  He was also the brother- in-law of former Bogo mayor Junie Martinez.  Tito Nene was a partner of my brother  Joey in the restaurant business.  My deepest sympathies to the family, Tita Marilou, Nino and Hedy.  Hasta La Vista Tito Nene.  Rest In  Peace.