Ethiopian Olympic athlete draws a gun at another runner

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)