Kenenisa Bekele, the Olympic and World record holder in 5000m and 10000m, said here on Thursday the decision of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to ban the Russian Federation on doping charges will hurt the clean athletes of the country.
Bekele said the Russian athletes had to suffer for no fault of theirs. “As a sportsman, I feel for the athletes of Russia. There are many clean athletes, their careers will be affected. I think it is not fair to ban a country. It will affect innocent athletes. People who have cheated should be banned,” said Bekele at a press conference.
Speaking about his future as an athlete, Bekele, who is here as brand ambassador for the Airtel Delhi half-marathon, said he enjoyed running, but injury had hampered his career.
“I enjoy running and want to participate in the Olympics and World championship. But my biggest problem is my injury. I have been struggling for the last five years. I am trying to get back (into top level competitions). But it is tough at this time.”
In the presence of some top long-distance runners such as Zersenay Tadese, Moses Kipsiro, Florence Kiplagat and Meseret Hailu, the 33-year-old Bekele explained why an elite athlete like him, who could afford the best of medical facilities, picks up injuries. “Sometimes you make mistakes while training. When you are in good shape you do not think you can do anything wrong.
“If I had treated myself better, I could have been injury-free.”
Bekele, who owns a hotel in his home country and coaches young athletes, hailed British athlete Mo Farah, the gold medallist in 5000m and 10000m in the London Olympics and the Beijing World championship, for his feats.
“Mo Farah has got some top results. What he has done is great. His future depends on how he can proceed from here,” said the Ethiopian.