In the afternoon hours of Sunday August 17, 2008, Eritreans had all eyes, and hopes for that matter, on the three Eritrean athletes, Zerisenay Tadesse, Teklemariam Medhin, and Kidane Tadesse, who competed in the men's 10,000 meters race at the Beijing Olympics.
Running along probably the world’s top 10,000 meters runners, the Eritrean athletes had the leading pace for more than half of the race. As Zerisenay, his brother Kidane and Teklemariam, alternately took leading charges, the commentators constantly repeated their names and the name of their country.
Being in charge of a group consisting of some of the world’s top runners might have deprived Eritreans the glory of bringing a medal back home, but nonetheless it gave a good recognition to Eritrea and its participating athletes in the international Olympics arena.
During the last few laps, Zerisenay was still among the group that had shot forward. This still emanated hope, at least for another encore of his victory at the Athens Olympics in 2004.
At the end of the race however, Zerisenay came in 5th clocking in at 27:05:11, outpaced by two Kenyans and two Ethiopians; while his brother Kidane finished 12th with a time of 27:36:11. Teklemariam came in 32nd at 28:54:33.
Still within striking distance at the end, Zerisenay came only a second too late for a medal.
For the entire time the race lasted, along with the obvious apprehension, there was excitement on part of everyone watching, as athletes of a new but promising nation competed against those of a country with decades of experience.
A greater display of team work, however, wouldn’t hurt in future competitions.
It’s true they had narrow chances for a medal and I think they had their best performance. This, I believe, was an experience where Eritrea’s potential was shown to the world.
And Eritrea retains its bright future in athletics.
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