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Ethiopia's Bekele completes distance double

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-24 11:14

BERLIN: Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele became the first man to win the 5,000-10,000 metres double at the world championships when he clocked 13 minutes, 17.09 seconds to take gold at the shorter distance on Sunday.

Kenenisa Bekele (R) of Ethiopia celebrates after winning the men's 5000 meters final during the world athletics championships at the Olympic stadium in Berlin, August 23, 2009. [Agencies]

The 27-year-old duplicated his Olympic success and followed in the footsteps of countrywoman Tirunesh Dibaba, who won both world titles in 2005.

Bekele, the world record holder at both distances, hit the front early in the race then held off a strong challenge from defending champion Bernard Lagat of the United States to pull clear in the closing metres.

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"I'll never forget this race," Bekele said. I won double gold and I am so happy."

He said the slow pace worked in his favour.

"I know he can't beat me at this pace," Bekele said. "I led so much because I really wanted to make it a slow race."

The strong-finishing Lagat was timed in 13:17.33.

"The last 100 metres there were two guys who wanted to win," said the Kenyan-born American. "I thought I was going to have it, but Bekele was stronger. I gave it everything I had."

James C'Kurui of Qatar took the bronze.