(Eurosport) –According to sources, the Ethiopian has not yet fully recovered after competing in the World Cross Country Championships.
Abraham Jeylan, Eshetu Wondimu and Gebregziabher Gebremariam will represent Ethiopia in the discipline on the opening day of the event.
Bekele has also pulled out of the 5,000 metres, meaning that he will not be competing in the event in Addis Ababa at all.
His next track appearance is scheduled for May 24th at the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands, where he will run the 5,000 metres.
The action in Addis Ababa began with the decathlon in good conditions and temperatures of around 22°C.
The fastest time in four heats of the women’s 100 metres was 11.55, set by title defender Vida Anim of Ghana as all the favourites advanced.
The three finals to be run on the first day are the men’s 10,000 metres, men’s shot put men and women’s hammer throw.