What are Ethiopia's chances at the Sydney Olympics?

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Emperor Gabe (Haile Gebre Selassie)  is almost guaranteed to win an easy Gold Medal in the 10,000 meters race. The Emperor is already looking beyond Sydney to a marathon race and a new world record at 2 hours flat or less. If any other athlete had said that, no one would have taken him/her seriously. But this is the Emperor himself, the "greatest long-distance runner" of all times and the world of athletics takes his words seriously. Derartu Tulu, the Barcelona Olympics gold medallist will attempt to repeat her memorable success. Given her convincing wins early in the year in Portugal, many believe that Derartu, the first African woman ever to win a gold medal in the Olympics, will bring home a gold medal. Million Wolde the world indoor medallist is a contender for a gold in the 5K race despite the determination of the Kenyans to keep it among themselves. It will be a very much anticipated race. Ethiopia's marathon hopes lie on the shoulders of the now legendary Fatuma Roba who is going for an unprecedented repeat of a victory in the Atlanta Olympics. Gezahenge Abera who leads the men's marathon team is Ethiopia's best hope for capturing the Gold in Men's marathon. Kutre Dulecha has a good chance of getting a medal in women's 1500 meters race. The site of Assefa Mezgebu coming second after Emperor Gabe in the Men's 10K will be a joy for the whole nation; we shall keep our fingers crossed! Ayelech Worku is also a serious contender in women's 5K. All in all, 3 gold medals seem to be assured. Only time will tell!    Our best wishes for our national heroes!

Brought to you courtesy of Ethiopian Computing and Information Technology Association

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