Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele still has not recovered from his disastrous race at the World Cross-Country Championships in Mombasa this past March. Elias Makori of the Daily Nation Online (registration required) reports that Bekele claims he has "no power any more," with feelings of dizziness, muscle weakness and knee pain.According to the spokesman for the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, Elshadai Negash, Bekele plans on testing his racing form in Hengelo, Netherlands, this Saturday before seeking further treatment. Bekele will compete in the 2 mile run at the THALES FBK-Games, an IAAF Grand Prix meet.
Depending on how this Saturday's race goes, Bekele is planning on running next at the World Championships' 10000m to defend his world title. He has not made a decision about whether or not to double in the 5000m. After Osaka, he plans on running only 3 more races, according to Makori. He usually runs about 16 races in a year. This year his total will only be 5 meets. Let's hope the additional rest will allow time for Bekele's full recuperation. If not, the men's 10000m at the World Championships will be seriously diminished.
In other news, Tyson Gay and Allyson Felix top the standings in the Visa Championship Series with their wins at the adidas Track Classic. Next stop for the series: the Reebok Grand Prix on June 2nd in New York City.
