Abreham Cherkos Feleke

Abreham Cherkos Feleke (born 23 September 1989) is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who specializes in the 5000 metres.

Achievements

Personal bests

*1500 metres - 3:42.91 min (2005)
*3000 metres - 7:32.37 min (2006)
*5000 metres - 12:54.19 min (2006)

Abreham Cherkos is undoubtedly one of the most impressive young runners that have come out of Ethiopia. His international debut came in the World Youth Championships in 2005 where he won the world youth title ahead of another great Ethiopian Prospect Ibrahim Jaylen. In the 3000 meter race held in Marrakech, he covered the last km in 2:27 which clearly indicated that he was a significant talent.

He was immediately added to the IAAF Grand Prix circuit. In 2006 Abreham began his international year by beating veteran runner Abraham Chebii of Kenya at Carlsbad. Abreham completed the 5km road race along the California coast in 13:14. It was a clear indication that he had world-class talent.

Later in the year, Abreham, still 16 delivered 2 impressive and unbelievable results. In one of the most famous stadiums in Athletics (Bislett) he ran 12:59 in only his second 5000 meter race, finishing 5th behind a group of experienced runners including Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia and Isaac Kiprono Songok of Kenya. He followed his sub 13 minute performance with a 12:54.19 in Rome later on in the season.

At 16 years of age Abreham was running under the world record 12 years earlier. As such he is considered to be one of the best prospects in athletics.

He completed the 2006 season with a silver medal in the World Junior Championships behind the older countryman Tariku Bekele. At the last meet of the year he beat Tariku at the IAAF World Athletics Final where the top ten athletes on the grand prix circuit race at the end of the year.

As a Junior with one year of competition under his belt Abreham was able to finish 3rd against the top athletes at the discipline.

External links

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