Ethiopians to dethrone the Kenyans

CEBU, Philippines — Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila made waves when he ruled the marathon in the Rome Olympics in 1960 and he did it while running barefooted. Proving that his feat was no fluke, he won again in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, this time wearing shoes. 

The marathon has been ruled by the Kenyans for quite sometime now.  Check the results of marathons worldwide and you’ll see that the Kenyans occupy the top ten in this year’s  Berlin Marathon.

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge almost lowered the marathon record to sub-two hour when he timed 2:01:39 to break compatriots Dennis Kimetto’s mark of 2:02:57, also registered in the Berlin Marathon. Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie lowered the world record when he clocked 2:03’59 in 2003.  In Beijing World Championship, Yemane Adhane timed 2:13:08 to place second to Eritrean Ghirmay Ghebreslassie while Delisa Denisa wound upseventh. 

The Kenyans were not in the top six finishers.  In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ethiopia’s Feyisa Lilesa took the silver in 2:09:54 with EliudKipchoge winning the gold. Then in the just concluded New York City Marathon Lilesa Disesa clocked 2:05:59 to edge training partner Shura Kitata to win the race.The female Ethiopian marathoners are also making their stride Mare Dibaba who ruled the marathon in the Beijing World Championship, won the bronze in the Rio Olympics with teammate Tirfe Tsegaye salvaging fourth place. Another Ethiopian BuzunehDeba won the 2014 Boston Marathon in 2:19:59(course record).  Ruth Aga came in second in the 2018 New York Marathon with pre-race favorite Tirunesh Dibaba settling for third.

Lebron Pissed

LeBron James was pissed when Keeping Up with the Kardashian’s crew arrived in a Cavalier game in Cleveland to film some footages.  It’s common knowledge that Khloe Kardashian hooked up with Tristan Thompson after separating from Lamar Odom.  James didn’t like the intrusion and said that basketball should be separated from distractions.  The Cavs even told Tristan they didn’t want the Kardashians around.  LeBron is now playing for the Los Angeles Lakers as I write this column while the Cavs occupy the cellar in the Central Division.   

Johnny B. Goode

Johnny b. Goode is probably one of the greatest Rock and Roll music ever written.  Composed by Chuck Berry, it was recorded by a lot of singers including Elvis.

During our last gig at Robinsons Place last September, Johnny B. Gonzales was seated in the front row.  I promised Johnny I’ll sing Johnny B. Goode in my next concert. Johnny has been going to the running events for more than 30 years since he was always supporting his daughter Twinkle Ignacio.  Twinkle is known for running in a costume which always make her the main attraction.  Last week, I was having breakfast with Johnny at a food chain in Mambaling.  After lunch I get a call from Twinkle that Johnny didn’t wake up from his nap.  He probably suffered a heart attack.  As I promised Johnny, I’ll sing Johnny B. Goode during our Christmas with Elvisaya and Friends concert slated at Robinsons Fuente on December 15.  Hasta La Vista Johnny Bustamante Gonzales, that’s the initials of Johnny B. Goode.

Did you know?

Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics blocked Wilt Chamberlain’s fall-away jump shot in their first meeting on November 7,1959.  It was probably the first time in his career that his shot had ever been blocked.  Come to think of it Russell was only 6’8” while Chamberlain, then playing for  the Philadelphia Warriors, was seven feet one inch. In that game, Wilt’s shots were either blocked or missed as his aim was spoiled by Russell’s hand.  Wilt switched to his less effective hook shot to no avail.  Wilt outscored Russell 30-22 but the Celtics won the game 115-106.

JOEL EMBID of the Philadelphia Sixers said he is a fan of British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.  Embid and teammate Dario Saric watched Sheeran when he performed at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Embid can be heard singing “Perfect” and “Shape Of You”.