Bekele the most underrated athlete today

Name the most underrated track athlete? Underrated how you ask. Doesn’t get recognized by his critics? Rarely gets awards? Is beloved by a cult but unknown by the masses?

None fit this better than Kenenisa Bekele. So much so that to prove he also a great runner Bekele challenged Usain Bolt to middle-way distance challenge.

Say what?

Bekele tops the list because he is underappreciated. Fans have overlooked Bekele for years. He is the currently world record holder at 5000 meters, 10,000 meters and is the reigning two-time Olympic champion.

Watching Bekele at 36 years of age put together ridiculous splits while running 26:46.31 to gold at the World Championships was like listening to Jay Z rhyme over a bone crushing beat. It was a thing of magic and we got the full appreciation of how good Bekele was this past season.

Over his career, the Ethopian hero has dominated the courses with strength and displayed flawless down speed on the track. His trademark kick can cover the final lap in 54 seconds. In 2008, Bekele scored the 5,000 and 10,000 double gold medal feat at the Beijing Games.

With cross country and track under his control, what else is there left for the great Kenenisa Bekele to accomplish?

Top Elite Track Athlete of the Year: The Next Challenge

For the next couple weeks everyone will be talking about who had the biggest season. And for good reason. Usain Bolt had a mind boggling season that shocked even his most ardent critics. Yes, Sanya Richards sealed her legacy in the sport and Kenenisa Bekele added another chapter to an already hall of fame career.

But this debate is officially closed.

This year Usain Bolt’s answered the one of the last questions for the Jamaican superstar. The Jamaican megastar proved that he can win great competition in the 100 meter race and also shattered his own 100 and 200 meter world records. It’s the litmus test of greatness. Carl did it. Michael did it. At the World Champions in August, Bolt bettered a Tyson Gay who said before the meet that he was in the best of his life by a comfortable margin.

That’s what the great ones do.

The other pressing issue is whether Bolt is big enough to save the sport. Sure it’s a lot of pressure for any athlete and especially in track and field. Legend Michael Johnson remarked this summer that he believes the sport is in decline. Rather than another article bemoaning the sport’s ills, we should focus on the man who can do something about changing the tide.

Sure Usain Bolt astonishes every time he gets in the blocks. But can the three-time world record holder put butts in the seats, sell overpriced hot dogs, and give the average sports fan a single reason to care even a morsel about the goings on in elite track and field?

That’s what the great ones do.

Bolt puts on a show and that is good for the sport. He is not afraid to pull up before the finish line or strike a pose after a win. He is quickly becoming a global superstar on the track. The next challenge is to do so off the track.

Considering his track record, you would be a fool to beat against him. Stay tuned and you may want to get your popcorn ready.

Spring 2010 Preview, Nike Air Maxim “Torch”

The spring of 2010 is slated for a number of hot shoe releases. These kicks feature “Torch” the latest Nike technology, which is the latest new lightweight material. The first feature black and yellow colorways and slated to be carried in retail oulets across the country.

Nike Air Maxim 1+ Trainer Chlorophyll

They are finally here!. The new Nike Air Maxim 1+ Trainer Chlorophyll are available in stores today. These kicks feature the green which are being included in many of the news sneakers.

Asics Gel Lyte Speed Surface Pack

Asics just dropped the new Gel Lyte Speed “Surface Pack” for the holiday season. These pack have two interesting pairs of kicks that runners consider sporting on the track.

These kicks come in green and gray and serve to pay homage to the surface runners.