Tariku Bekele Ethiopian runner Date of Birth: 28.02.1987 Country: Ethiopia

1. Tariku Bekele: A Legendary Ethiopian Distance Runner
2. Early Success
3. International Debut
4. Focus on the 5000 Meters
5. Olympic Debut
6. Record-Breaking Performances
7. Continental and Global Competitions
8. Continued Success

Tariku Bekele: A Legendary Ethiopian Distance Runner

Tariku Bekele is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in the 5000-meter event. As the younger brother of the renowned Kenenisa Bekele, he has made a name for himself in the world of athletics.

Early Success

Inspired by his older sibling, Tariku began his athletic journey at a young age. He achieved his first major victory at the World Youth Championships in Athletics in the 3000 meters, finishing just behind Augustine Choge. At the World Junior Championships the following year, he secured a bronze medal in the 5000 meters.

International Debut

Bekele made his "adult" debut at the 2005 World Championships in Athletics, where he placed seventh in the 5000 meters. He continued to gain experience at the 2006 IAAF World Indoor Championships, finishing sixth, before excelling in cross-country, winning bronze. Shortly after, he claimed a dominant victory in the 3000-meter final.

Focus on the 5000 Meters

In 2007, Tariku focused on the 5000 meters, earning silver at the All-Africa Games and finishing fifth at the World Championships. The following year, he triumphed in the 3000 meters at the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Olympic Debut

Bekele made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, placing sixth in the 5000 meters. He competed again at the 2008 IAAF World Athletics Final, finishing in the same position.

Record-Breaking Performances

In 2010, Bekele attempted to defend his 3000-meter title from two years prior but settled for fourth place, with Bernard Lagat claiming the title. However, Bekele emerged victorious in two major races of the IAAF Diamond League. He also set a new 3000-meter record, clocking in at 7.28.70, edging out Lagat's previous American record by 0.3 seconds.

Continental and Global Competitions

Tariku represented Africa in the 3000 meters at the 2010 IAAF Continental Cup. As in the 2010 Championships, he finished fourth overall, with Lagat once again taking first place. After the track season, Bekele ventured into longer distances, placing sixth in the 10-mile Dam tot Damloop. He later competed in the Memorial Peppe Greco, where he finished second, narrowly losing by one second to defending champion Edwin Soi.

Continued Success

In 2011, Bekele returned to the IAAF Diamond League, securing third place in the 5000 meters. At the 2012 Olympic Games, he earned a bronze medal for Ethiopia, finishing behind Galen Rupp of the United States and Mo Farah of Great Britain.