Today, Bekele said, the Eritreans — among them leading distance runners today — tried to be like pace-makers, and hastened the race. Zersenay Tadese, whose 10,000m bronze at Athens was Eritrea’s first Olympic medal, finished fifth tonight.

But in the end, one wondered, is this the last time the ever smiling Gebrselassie, now 35, will be seen at the Olympics. He didn’t win, but he got the victory lap he merits.

Shelly-Ann Fraser

Age: 21

Born: Kingston, Jamaica

Career highlights: Gold, 2008 Beijing Olympics, 100m, Silver medallist, 2007 World Championships, Osaka, 4x100m relay, bronze ((first international medal) at the 2005 Carifta Games in Trinidad & Tobago

•Produced the second-fastest time in Olympic history to take the gold in 10.78sec

• Her previous best time was 10.95sec at last month’s London Grand Prix.

• At June’s National Track & Field Championship clocked 10.85-second to book her ticket to Beijing

Kenenisa Bekele

Age: 26

Born: Bekoji, Ethiopia

Career highlights: In 10,000m: Gold, Beijing 2008, Athens 2004, 2007 Osaka World Championships, 2005 Helsinki World Championships, 2003 Paris World Championships. In 5,000m: Silver, 2004 Athens.

•Produced the second-fastest time in Olympic history to take the gold in 10.78sec

• In August 2005, set the 10,000m world record of 26:17.53 in Brussels