Kenenisa Bekele and Ali Abdush wave to the crowed after the 5,000m victory

Female Ethiopian athletes scored a landmark victory in the 3,000m steeplechase at the 16th   African Athletics Championships that ended today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The distance had been a Kenyan strong hold over the years, but this year, Ethiopia’s long distance coach indicated that his athletes could offset Kenya’s comfortable ride in the 3,000m steeplechase.

True to his words, Zemzem Ahemed not only finished top, she obliterated the competition record for the distance crossing the line in 9:44.58. Mekdes Bekele completed the victory finishing second in 9:59.52. Ruth Bosibori of Kenya effectively blocked an all-Ethiopian medal sweep taking the bronze medal from Sofia Asefa.

Kenenisa Bekele Sprints at the Homestretch

In another final-day action,  Ethiopian running ace World and Olympic 10,000m champion Kenenisa Bekele clinched gold in the men’s 5,000m.  He finished in 13:49.67 followed by Kenya’s Isaac Songok 13:49.91 and Ali Abdush of Ethiopia took the bronze medal in fantastic display of his potential for an Olympic medal this summer.

Kenenisa Bekele’s younger brother Tariku Bekele finished fourth in 13:53.03.