Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia replaced his smile with true grit on Monday to retain his Olympic 10,000 metres title on Monday by the thickness of his vest. Gebrselassie, unbeaten over the distance for seven years, timed 27 minutes 18.20 seconds for the gold after an epic battle down the final straight with his old rival, Paul Tergat of Kenya. Tergat, the five-times world cross country champion and the 1996 Olympic silver medallist, seemed set to outdo the Ethiopian at last when kicking for home. But Gebrselassie, known for his beaming smile rather than the grimace he showed in the final stages on Monday, held on before stealing past.
Tergat timed 27:18.29 while Assefa Mezgebu (27:19.75) made it an all-African podium with third place. The 27-year-old Gebrselassie, who weighs just 53 kg, has dominated his event since 1993, when he won the first of four consecutive world titles. The world record holder came to the Olympics after an interrupted season, however, caused by an ankle injury, the first serious setback of his career. But he was clearly unconcerned on Monday, standing at the start ooking totally relaxed and smiling. Tergat, despite all his efforts, was not able to wipe that smile away.
REUTERS
Filed by Sean Doran
