XC at the Olympics?
Bekele - He's a wealthy young man
In a story that first emerged after the Beijing games, the subject of cross-country running at the Olympics has moved one step closer to reality after the IAAF approved the idea at a meeting in Monaco last Friday.
President Lamine Diack has written to the IOC President Jacques Rogge supporting the legendary gang of three’s initiative and the IAAF is awaiting the IOC’s response.
Cross-country has not been seen at the Games since Paris 1924, when 45 degree heat took it’s toll on everyone except the great Paavo Nurmi, and any return could not be ratified in time for the London 2012 games.
Nurmi - an Olympic legend
However, the 2016 edition could see the likes of Kenenisa Bekele’s younger brother Tariku, plus the current glut of young East African talent, challenging for gold and would inevitably be a fantastic boost for the sport.
Not quite as good as his brother, yet...
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Reactions so far
Paul Hughes Nov 28, 08:56 AM
Surely a good thing. Why stop there, mountain running at the winter games?
MST Nov 28, 09:08 AM
Yep, feasible Paul, runners could wear spikes/fell shoes in a snowy, floodlit, town arena – huge crowds, could be a winner!