Telahun Haile Bekele

Telahun Haile Bekele (Amharic: ጥላሁን ኃይሌ በቀለ; born 13 May 1999) is an Ethiopian male long-distance runner who specialises in the 5000 metres. His career has included victories at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea, and at the Bislett Games. He was fourth in the 5000m at the 2019 World Championships. Telahun began competing internationally in 2017, taking part in European 10K run road races and placing second at the Giro al Sas and third at the Grand 10 Berlin.

He began 2018 in Europe with third at the Czech Indoor Gala and a runner-up finish at the Cinque Mulini. A 5000m win at the Ethiopian U20 Championships and a personal best of 13:04.63 minutes to win at the Meeting Iberoamericano de Atletismo saw him enter the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships saw him enter the competition as the second fastest runner after training mate Selemon Barega. Telahun made his IAAF Diamond League debut that year, placing seventh at Athletissima. He closed the year with third place at the Great Ethiopian Run. At the start of 2019 he continued to show his strength over distance with second place at the Giro Media Blenio 10K. In April, he came 2nd in the 5000m at the Ethiopian Athletics Championships. In June, he came sixth at the Golden Gala in 12:57.18 - his fastest 5000m since June 2019. A week later, Telahun won the 5000m at the Bislett Games in Oslo, ahead of compatriots Samuel Tefera and Getnet Wale. However, at the World Championships, five days later, he was only seventh in his heat, missing out on the final by one place. Telahun finished his track season by coming fourth at the 5000m Diamond League Final, held as part of the Weltklasse Zürich. In December, he won the Corrida de Houilles in 27:29.

Statistics International competitions

Circuit wins 5000 m IAAF Diamond League Golden Gala: 2019 Bislett Games: 2022

National titles Ethiopian Athletics Championships 5000 m: 2019 Ethiopian U20 Championships 5000 m: 2018