Telahun Haile Bekele

Hailing from rural Ethiopia, Telahun Haile Bekele has cemented his place in the international running scene. After finishing just outside the podium at the U20 World Championships and the World Championships, he was hungry for more. His two ensuing Diamond League victories over 5000m are proof that success doesn't always happen overnight. How he got there? Hard work and dedication, without a doubt. But ignore the physical aspects for a moment and you'll see, it's Telahun's mental fortitude that gives him an edge. For the religious middle-distance runner, that means never underestimating his opponents, staying focused at all times, analysing himself meticulously and getting in the zone with motivational self-talks before each race.