ethiopians

[doug b]

I know ethiopia has had great 5 and 10k runners and marathoners, and geb ran a 331 1500, but now with alemu in the 800 and the ethiopian women (mostly very young) legesse, dulcha, in the 8 and 1500 they seem to be ready to start producing 8-1500 runners, with the youth of the women hopefully we will see some fast times from ethiopia in the mens 8-1500 and steeple, and maybe even some world records from the women in anything from the 800 to the marathon.

[Guest]

Re: ethiopians

Any theories as to why Ethiopia hasn't produced great steeplechasers? It can't be as simple as they can't afford to buy hurdles and a water jump.
Can it?

[kuha]

Re: ethiopians

Hadn't really thought of this, but it IS odd that Ethiopia (so far) hasn't produced a steepler of any significance... And, while it's nice to imagine that Geb, in his prime, could have run 7:55, I vividly recall his disastrous hurdle technique at the '96 World X-C race.

[gh]

Re: ethiopians

Eshetu Tura, bronze medal '80 Olympics

[Powell]

Re: ethiopians

>Eshetu Tura, bronze medal '80 Olympics

Indeed, but isn't it a shame that in a country of such distance-running prowess, Tura is still the national record holder after nearly 24 years with his 8:13 ?

[Kevin Richardson]

Re: ethiopians

My guess is that there is neither the cultural bent for the event nor the infrastructure. The Kenyans have built a strong program, and look for athletes who will excel in this event. When the Ethiopians begin to show an interest here, and round up a coach or two, throw in some training facilities, they will be a definite force in the event.

[dl]

Re: ethiopians

I wouldn't say that tracks in Kenya have exactly state-of-the-art steeple pits either. They just have a great tradition in steeplechasing.

[rmayes]

Re: ethiopians

It also helps that the Kenyans are fairly tall, at least some of them are. There are several world class Kenyan runners in the 5' 10" - 6' range. I don't recall seeing any Ethiopians even close to this height (though I have to admit I didn't try to find any numbers before posting this).