No one could quite believe the joyous bedlum that greeted the finest moments at the African Athletics Championships in Addis Ababa a month ago. Up to 30,000 Ethiopians packed themselves into the country’s only international stadium for all of the five days of top class athletics action. It was a first for this proud nation, 48 years after it became the first African state to win a gold in the Olympic Games.

Haile Gebrselassie.
(Photo: Daniel Brown)

Despite the ongoing food crisis, a prolonged drought and ongoing political tensions, the critics were unanimous in praising the atmosphere in Addis Ababa. Sure, there were the challenges of competing at 2,500 metres above sea level and blustery climatic conditions. But all praised the organisation and good will behind the five days' sporting event.

For Ethiopia’s best-known athlete Haile Gebrselassie, it was a dream come true. “For us, it’s the best, to develop our confidence," he told RFI. “No-one thought it was possible, because of the problems we have… It’s not just athletics, it’s good for our country.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Can you name the double Olympic champion from Ethiopia who is still in Olympic contention despite being 35-years-old? Again, which Ethiopian athlete is still up-and-running for another Olympic gold to add to the two he has already? He also holds the current world record in the marathon.