Pre Classic Memo On Bekele's Withdrawal

June 8, 2007
For Immediate Release


                                    BEKELE OUT OF PRE CLASSIC

    Eugene, Oregon—World recordholder Kenenisa Bekele has withdrawn from
Sunday’s Prefontaine Classic 2-Mile race. Bekele’s agent, Jos Hermens,
cited lingering effects of the heat stroke suffered by the 24-year-old
in the World Cross Country Championships several months ago. “He’s
slowly getting better,” said Hermens of the 2004 Olympic 10k gold
medalist. “His condition is improving, but he still not feeling well.
He is probably at 90% fitness, but with this field in the Prefontaine
Classic, he knows that 90% is not good enough.”
    Still in the event are Kenni’s brother Tariku Bekele, the current
world-leader at 5000 meters, and American 2-mile recordholder Alan Webb.