Athletics (5000m, 10,000m)
Ethiopia
Born: 13/06/82
Career highlights
The phenomenal Ethiopian is the greatest ever long-distance runner, with three Olympic gold medals and 16 world titles: five on the track and 11 in cross-country.
Bekele won the Olympic distance double in 2008, setting championship records in both the 5000m and 10,000m. He repeated his double-winning feat at the World Championships the following year – an unprecedented achievement.
He also holds the world records for the 5000m and 10,000m.