Kenenisa Bekele will not compete for Ethiopia at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. The 35-year-old marathon runner removed himself from consideration due to lack of fitness.
What happened?
Bekele told an Ethiopian media outlet he was "not fit to compete at the event". This decision comes after he failed to achieve the time standard in the 10K for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Background on Kenenisa Bekele
Bekele holds the world records in the 5K and 10K. He won the Berlin Marathon last September in 2:03:03, barely behind Dennis Kimetto's world record of 2:02:57.
Recent performances
Bekele's two attempts to break Kimetto's world record were thwarted: he fell at the start of the Dubai Marathon and later dropped out, then ran 2:05:57 at the London Marathon for second place behind Daniel Wanjiru.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation announced their official contingent for the upcoming IAAF World Championships in London from August 4-13. Other notable athletes include Genzebe Dibaba, who will double in the 1500m and 5K, and Almaz Ayana, who will double in the 5K and 10K.
Bekele did not race in 2015. He took third in 2:06 at the London Marathon in April 2016.
Impact on the Ethiopian team
Bekele's withdrawal may impact Ethiopia's chances at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. The team will still feature strong athletes, but Bekele's absence will be felt.
The 2017 IAAF World Championships will take place from August 4-13 in London. Bekele's decision not to compete will be a significant factor in the marathon event.
Bekele's world records in the 5K and 10K remain unbroken. His performance at the Berlin Marathon last September was impressive, but he has struggled with fitness issues recently.
The Ethiopian team will look to other athletes to fill the gap left by Bekele's withdrawal. Genzebe Dibaba and Almaz Ayana will be key players in the 1500m and 5K events.
Bekele's withdrawal is a disappointment for fans of the athlete. He has been a dominant force in marathon running, but his lack of fitness has forced him to remove himself from competition.
The 2017 IAAF World Championships will be an exciting event, with many talented athletes competing. Bekele's absence will be notable, but the Ethiopian team will still be a force to be reckoned with.