Bekele defends title in 10,000 at athletics worlds
(AP)
Updated: 2005-08-09 09:40

HELSINKI, Finland (AP) _ Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele capped a tragic year in which he lost his fiancee with an emotional win in the 10,000 meters at the world athletics championships Monday.

Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia reacts after winning the men's 10,000 metres finals at the world athletics championships in Helsinki August 8, 2005. [Reuters]

One year after ripping her Achilles tendon, Sweden's Kajsa Bergqvist completed an amazing comeback by winning the high jump with a world leading jump of 2.02 meters. American Chaunte Howard pushed her all the way with a personal best of 2.00 for silver.

Confirming his domination of long distance running during a one-two Ethiopian finish, the defending and Olympic champion relied on his trademark finishing kick to take the field apart over the last lap and win ahead of Sileshi Sihine. Moses Mosop of Kenya took bronze.

"It is very important for me," Bekele said of his win. "This year, after I lost my fiancee ... It's tragic.

"I have sadness in my heart."

Alem Techale died after collapsing during a training session with Bekele on January 4.

Ending weeks of speculation, he also confirmed he would not run the 5,000 later in the championships, forsaking a chance for a double.

The win brought Bekele halfway home to match the achievement of his illustrious compatriot Haile Gebrselassie, who won four world titles and two Olympic 10,000 golds.

Running a tactical race on a wet track in damp conditions, Bekele finished in 27 minutes, 8.33 seconds, 48.02 seconds slower than his world record.

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