With the finish line in site Gebre’s put the final drive to the finish and passes Machuka who believed he had victory in hand. What will go down as one of the biggest upsets in track history, the young Gebre’s drew behind Machuka in the closing lap of the race. This event dramatically unfolded as the race was dominated until the last lap by Kenyan Josephat Machuka. At 19 years of age he won gold in the 5,000 metres and then proceeded to back up in the 10,000 meters.

The world took notice of him in 1992, Seoul junior athletics championships. Aside from these mega moments, he has also won a dozens of international marathons as well as races across all distances of middle-distance running.

Gebre’s background features, t wo Olympic gold medals, four world championships, twenty-six world records. He trained the younger generations and became a Unicef ambassador, for his commitment to orphaned and AIDS patients. With the money he earned he has built schools and created jobs.

Heile Gebrelsassie is one of the greatest African athletes ever! His running carrier has enabled him to dedicate his life to the development of his country. I will run as long as I live, running is my life” – Haile Gebrselassie “I’ll stop competing, certainly not running. When Gebrelsassie announced his retirement from professional running, his statement typified his carrier and character:

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