Deresse Mekonnen and Gelete Burka Won at Grand Prix

Addis Ababa, July 8, 2009 - Young Ethiopian athletes Deresse Mekonnen and Gelete Burka found victory once again during the Athletissima Grand Prix in Switzerland IAAF reported.

The much- awaited race for the local crowd was the women’s 1500m which featured Lausanne heroine Maryam Yussuf Jamal from Bahrain and 2009 world leader Gelete Burka, who holds the two best performances of the year with sub-four minute times.

Gelete and Jamal engaged in a neck-and-neck battle in the final lap, according to the report.

Gelete prevailed thanks to a stronger kick through the final bend taking the win in 4:00.67 to Jamal’s 4:01.99 (seasonal best).

The 21 year old Ethiopian Deresse Mekonnen continues his impressive season.

After a 13:07.75 in his 5000m debut in Milan and his Dream Mile victory in Oslo with a PB of 3:48.95, the 1500metres World indoor champion clocked a PB 7:37.62 to win the 3000m beating former world champion and 5000m world leader (also this year's 3000m world leader) Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya (7:37.95) thanks to a devastating kick down the final straight.

“I could have run quicker in other conditions but I am very happy,” Deresse said. “I am really looking forward to taking up the challenge in Berlin.”

Source: ENA