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Ethiopian Olympic athlete draws a gun at another runner

Posted on by Elias Kifle

Ethiopia ’s preparations for the 29th Beijing Olympics dented a huge blow this week after athletes held each at gunpoint at the team’s official hotel.

In an incident that took place last Sunday at the Ghion Hotel, Ethiopian marathon runner Tessema Abshiro and Olympic hopeful Deriba Merga (6th in the 2008 London Marathon and winner of the 2007 Great Ethiopian Run 10km) were involved in a physical confrontation that saw Abshiro aim a gun at Merga after the pair exchanged in a heated conversation.

The incident follows last Thursday’s physical fight between Bezunesh Bekele and Dire Tune before their early-morning training session after the pair argued over who deserved to claim the last Games spot.

(Source: agencies)

18 thoughts on “Ethiopian Olympic athlete draws a gun at another runner”

  1. Take it easy guys. It is very competitive to be included in the coveted place of Olympic team. That could lead the athletes to be very frustrated and emotionally charged. Their is always another game so it is not worthy to fight with your friends.

  3. Why are they allowed to carry guns? I believe the issue should be resolved with arbitration and severe warning. Any time money is involved guns are drawn. Lust for money and power seems to be the issue. Since there is no detail info we cant be judgmental any ways.

  5. My God what am I reading? The issue to me is not the bickering or the fighting. To me the issue is deeper than that. How on Earth one can Carry a Gun in a Hotel and pulls it out like as if he is pulling “Dingie” like we used to do back in the days for some of the fights. This is ridiculous, and it needs investigating and dealt with propelry. If WOYANAY is serious about Law & Order this is one chance to show it. This is embarrassing and disgraceful.

  7. Didn’t they learn, GIBRE GEB,during their school life.It used to be given in our era.
    The heads and group leaders should settle every thing down.Athlets have good hope and are expected to pay the debts of the country so they have to use the opportunity.Now being a runner is by father better than going to a college.
    ATHLETS ARE BIG ASSETS TO THE COUNTRY-ETHIOPIA-

  8. sad, but true. this is the only way for them to scape poverty. It is life and death, either you make it, or u r on the street begging or maybe you will be deported to your cave in the country side. either out run them, or shoot them out. it is life. A dog eats a dog.

  9. sad, but true. this is the only way for them to scape poverty. It is life and death, either you make it, or u r on the street begging or maybe you will be deported to your cave in the country side. either out run them, or shoot them out. it is life. A dog eats a dog.

  13. God help us all, this is what has become of ethiopians after 18 years of TPLF. A sports person with a gun. I do hope they are not going to carry the gun when they are running.

    God save ethiopia

  16. Not surprised! Even the official Woyannie Patriarch tagay Paulos Gebrmedhin carries a revolver gun instead of a cross as the tradition of the church requires.
    So donot be surprised if Tagay Paulos hands his revolver for you to kiss instead of his cross, and don’t be surprised if the athelets are carrying a gun.
    Many hodams are working for Woyannies to make their life materialy richer and report on each other.

  17. is the Ethiopian Sports Fedration losing its sense of direction? how come does it allow carrying guns? something must wrong somewhere in the Sports Admnistration. I believe thatit is collecting thugs instead of disciplined athelets. seems.

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