EritreaBiography
Eritrea's first Olympic medallist. Former half marathon world record holder.
Started in athletics relatively late, at age 20. In two years time, he secured Olympic bronze in Athens. Considered as 'King of Half Marathon' after his six world titles - five of them won consecutively.
He beat Kenyan favorites in World XC Championships 2007 in Mombasa to take historic gold medal. Won only track World medal in Berlin 2009 behind Kenenisa Bekele.
Broke half marathon world record in Lisbon (58:23), it lasted eight years.