Fate did not want it to happen.

Two men,

Eliud Kipchoge

and

Kenenisa Bekele

, one Kenyan and the other Ethiopian, the only ones capable of losing two hours and two minutes in a marathon - certified - had to face each other this spring in London in the duel of all time, the most expected.

More than a decade ago they had measured themselves on the tartan with the most victories for Bekele, but on the asphalt Kipchoge was supposed to unseat the king.

Athletics needed the showdown, it wanted it.

But the coronavirus first and an injury later denied it forever?

And that this Sunday everything was already written down.

Months after the race was postponed for this October, the two favorites were resting in a hotel around St James Park and the stakes were high.

Who would win?

On Thursday both of them staged a press conference in the purest boxing style, only the two of them, face to face -although their relationship is excellent- and this Friday, they were supposed to have gone out for a jog to prepare for the big event.

But one of the two did not.

On Friday afternoon, less than 48 hours before starting, Bekele announced that he will finally be out of the London marathon due to an injury to his left calf.

The Ethiopian, world record holder in the 10,000 meters, was disappointed that he could not compete: "I am very disappointed that I cannot race on Sunday. I was in good shape, but then I had a problem with my left calf after two quick workouts with my friends. teammates in the final weeks of preparation. "

"I have had treatment every day since then and I really believed that I would be ready, but today I am worse and now I know that I can not run," he added about it.

Bekele recalled his excellent career in Berlin a year ago, imagining a duel at the highest level between him and Kipchoge: "This race was very important to me. My victory in Berlin last year gave me great confidence and motivation and I was looking forward to showing it again, because I had worked so hard for it. "

"I realize that many people around the world have been looking forward to this race and I am sorry to disappoint my fans, the organizers and my fellow competitors. I will take some time to recover and get back in shape and hope to be back in London next year. that is coming, "he concluded.

Hugh Brasher, the race director, put a good face on the blow and tried to detract from the news.

"We know how disappointed Kenenisa is and wish her a speedy recovery. It was never just a two-man race anyway, as we had four of the ten fastest marathon runners ever and already six in total who had run. down 2:05, including

Mosinet Geremew

and

Mule Wasihun

, second and third last year, plus 2018 runner-up

Shura Kitata

. "

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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