Kenenisa: "Person of the Year" as Millennium turns

As Ethiopia turns toward a new century, and new Millennium, plagued in economic and political turmoil, it desperately searches for a feel good, underdog story. Despite its long and proud history, the tumbling country needed an icon and inspiration to get back up.

Similarly, a famous Ethiopian athlete, who is facing his biggest challenges near the end of the Ethiopian Millennium, needed an inspiration to rise back up. The Arsi native Kenenisa Bekele is the heir of an old Ethiopian tradition of winning: from the first black African to win Olympic gold Abebe Bikila and double gold medalist Miruts Yifter; to the world Champion Derartu Tulu, the first woman from sub-Sahara Africa to win Olympic gold and the numerous records holder Olympic champion Haile Gebreselassie.

Such proud but intimidating tradition has been looking for new to-be legends from the new generation and it has not been disappointed yet. The new and young runners with big potentials include Meseret Defar, Tirunesh Dibaba, Meselech Melkamu and Sileshi Sihine, but no one has carried the baton higher than Kenenisa.

So it seemed like the tragedies facing Kenenisa the last couple of years – the devastating injuries and the death of his loved one – would mirror the same gloomy fortune of a once proud country that is now in a political and economic disaster. Instead, this son of a farmer in Oromia confronted his challenges and motivated a new generation to have hope and reach to achieve their destiny. Only a few months after the death of his Fiance, Kenenisa won another World Cross Country Championships, one of the greatest physical and emotional triumphs in athletics history. "I ran with two things in my heart, both grief and joy," Kenenisa said adding "I have to compete for my country and my people." It was almost 50 years ago that another Ethiopian legend Abebe Bikila, wth such spirit and resolve to win, said "I wanted the world to know that my country Ethiopia has always won with determination and heroism." Kenenisa has, by all measures, become the most successful runner in IAAF World Cross Country championship history. Kenensa also holds the world records in the Men’s 5,000 and 10,000 meters.

Kenenisa influenced his people even away from the tracks, thanks to his perfect marriage with a famous pop musician Teddy Afro – the runner up for this “Person of the Year” distinction. A musician known for breaking ethnic barriers to unite the country, Teddy Afro (real name Tewodros Kasahune) inserted Kenenisa’s inspiring triumphs in the daily life of ordinary Ethiopians with his hit song “Kenenisa Anbessa.”

Before Kenenisa married actress Danawit Gebre-Egziabehare in November 2007 (European Calendar), he went on to win the 10,000 meter in Osaka and reached personal bests in 1,500m, two miles and 3,000 meters.

He later broke the 2000m world record and then became the first athlete in history to be Olympic Champion, world indoor and outdoor champion and World Cross Country Champion.

Not only for this year, but for these transition years toward the new Millennium, Kenenisa Bekele has become an inspiration to millions of Ethiopians who dare to believe again that a prosperous and better future is forthcoming.