Haile Gebrselassie vs Kenenisa Bekele
Haile Gebrselassie vs Kenenisa Bekele: head-to-head — careers, honours, key numbers and why the rivalry matters.
Why compare Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele?
Kenenisa Bekele emerged as a significant rival, particularly in the 10,000 meters, where they competed fiercely against each other. Their races were often thrilling, with Bekele winning the silver medal at the 2003 World Championships, narrowly defeating Gebrselassie.
Haile Gebrselassie
Key numbers
- World Records27
- Olympic Medals2
- World Championships4
- Berlin Marathon Wins1
- Dubai Marathon Wins3
Top honours
- Olympic Gold Medals2 (1996, 2000)
- World Championships4 titles in 10,000 meters
- World Indoor Championships4 titles
- World Half Marathon Champion2001
- Berlin Marathon4-time winner
VS
Kenenisa Bekele
Key numbers
- Olympic Games3 Gold, 1 Silver
- World Championships5 Gold, 1 Bronze
- World Cross Country Championships11 Gold
- Marathon Wins2
- World Marathon Majors2 Wins
Top honours
- Olympic Gold Medals3 (2004, 2008)
- World Championships Gold Medals5
- World Indoor Championships Gold Medals1
- World Cross Country Championships Gold Medals11
- African Championships Gold Medals2