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France is regarded
as an established nation in the cross country discipline,
Diack explained. He particularly referred
to the country’s participation in every single World
Championships since 1975 and its first appearance
in 1903 in Scotland. «I am proud to come back
in France where there is a wonderful tradition»
he said.
If French runners count on the potential
benefits of running on home soil, the African nations
are once again expected to trust the medals. Ethiopia’s
Kenenisa Bekele stands indeed as the favorite for
an unprecedented fourth double.
Diack paid tribute
to the 2004 male Athlete of the Year whom he described
as the world’s best cross country athlete of all
time. He prained the Ethiopian’s decision to honor
this event in spite of his recent passed tragedy,
Bekele’s fiancé passed away earlier this
year.
Ethiopia and Kenya will be the leading
nations amongst the seventy five countries expected
this week-end at Saint-Galmier’s hippodrome.
Faced with the question
of anti-doping measures, Diack announced that 100
blood tests would be conducted during the event.
«It is more than ever before» he said.
Along with the increase of doping controls, the
IAAF President also announced another main change.
The 34th edition, to be held in Fukuoka (Japan)
in 2006 will be the last one to feature a short
course race, he told the press. «The short
course started in 1998. It, however, never gained
the success we had envisioned.» The IAAF President
explained that nine runners instead of six currently
would be allowed to compete under the new format.
Kenenisa BEKELE
(ETH)
«As you all know, it happens
as human beings. We pass away and we need to accept
these things. (editor’s note: due to his fiancé’s
death). I discussed with my family and they told
me to continue my work, to try to balance this problem
with my work. And when you train, you need to test
yourself»
«I am here to work together
with my team. I am registered for two races and
I intend to run both of them. I have done the double
three times but I was happy each time. This time
I have a problem. I would like to see what can be
done under other circumstances. My training was
not like last year. I missed several weeks.»
Bob TAHRI (FRA)
«I
will only see the course on race day. The obstacles
placed on that course could be an advantage for
a steeplechaser but you still need to run the distance.
I had the chance to train for nine weeks with the
Kenyans this year. I learned a lot. I now need to
remain serene and do well on Sunday. Our objective
is to remain the best European team.”
Driss EL HIMER
(FRA)
“To compete on home soil brings more
stress. I hope to be on the podium for the French
public. It will be a big battle with the other competitors.
But I believe it will be an open race.”
Eliud KIPCHOGE
(KEN)
“As a team with Kenya, we hope to regain
the title. For us, cross country is a team effort.
We are better as a team. I am faster this year than
last year and I will try my best.”
Benita JOHNSON
(AUS)
«I am quite excited about coming
back as the reigning world champion. Winning last
year was a huge breakthrough. This year, the
Africans will obviously be my toughest competitors.
But I will go into the race and try to win. I have
to run my best to win. The competition will be fantastic
and is always great.»
Flash
quotes of March 20, 2005
Flash
quotes of March 19, 2005
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