Bekele set for British debut

04/05/2004 - 10:04:50
African star Kenenisa Bekele will make his first outdoor UK track appearance by running at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Gateshead next month.

Bekele, who announced his arrival on the big stage with 10,000m gold at last year’s World Championships, is looking forward to making his bow in the 3,000m on June 27.

“The British meets are so well respected on the athletics circuit given the history, the crowds and the traditionally strong fields that they attract,” said the 21-year-old Ethiopian, who is already being touted as the natural successor to fellow countryman and track legend Haile Gebrselassie.

“Gateshead is such a well-known venue and the ideal place for me to make my first-ever outdoor track appearance in Britain.”