Kenenisa Bekele
Kenenisa Bekele
- Full Name: Kenenisa Bekele Geleta
- Date of Birth: June 13, 1982
- Place of Birth: Bekoji, Ethiopia
- Nationality: Ethiopian
- Sport: Athletics
- Event: Long-distance running
- Personal Bests: 5,000 meters (12:37.35), 10,000 meters (26:17.53), Half Marathon (59:16), Marathon (2:01:41)
- Olympic Medals: 3 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
- World Championship Medals: 18 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze
- World Records: 5,000 meters (12:37.35), 10,000 meters (26:17.53), 20,000 meters (56:25.98), Half Marathon (59:16)
Kenenisa Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who is widely regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of all time. He holds the world records in the 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, and half marathon, and has won three Olympic gold medals, five World Championship gold medals, and numerous other major titles.
Early Life and Career
Kenenisa Bekele was born in Bekoji, Ethiopia, on June 13, 1982. He began running at a young age, and quickly showed a talent for the sport. In 2001, at the age of 19, he won the IAAF World Junior Championships in the 5,000 meters.
Olympic and World Championship Success
Bekele made his Olympic debut at the 2004 Athens Games, where he won the gold medal in the 10,000 meters. He repeated his success at the 2008 Beijing Games, winning the gold medal in both the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters. He also won the silver medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2012 London Games.
At the World Championships, Bekele has won an unprecedented 17 gold medals, along with four silver medals and one bronze medal. He has won the 5,000 meters four times, the 10,000 meters six times, and the half marathon twice.
World Records and Other Achievements
In addition to his Olympic and World Championship success, Bekele holds the world records in the 5,000 meters (12:37.35), 10,000 meters (26:17.53), and half marathon (59:16). He is the only athlete to have held the world records in all three events simultaneously.
Bekele has also won numerous other major titles throughout his career, including the IAAF World Cross Country Championships five times, the IAAF Golden League Jackpot three times, and the London Marathon twice.
Legacy
Kenenisa Bekele is one of the most successful and decorated distance runners of all time. His world records, Olympic and World Championship medals, and other achievements have cemented his place in the history of the sport. He is an inspiration to athletes around the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of runners.
