A winning time of 27:43.22 at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics secured the 10,000 metres gold medal for Selemon Barega. Executing a final kilometer in 2:24.9 and a last lap of 53.94, he surpassed Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo to become the fourth athlete from his nation to claim this specific Olympic title.
Early Career and Junior Success
Born in the Gurage Zone of Ethiopia on 20 January 2000, Barega entered international competition in 2016. He claimed gold in the 5,000 metres at the World Under-20 Championships in Bydgoszcz that same year, finishing in 13:21.21. In 2017, he won the 3,000 metres at the World U18 Championships in Nairobi and secured victory in the 5,000 metres at the African U20 Championships in Tlemcen.
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By 2018, Barega established himself among the elite, setting a world U20 record of 12:43.02 in the 5,000 metres at the Brussels Diamond League. This performance positioned him as the fifth-fastest performer in the distance's history. He also secured a silver medal in the 3,000 metres at the 2018 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham and won the 5,000 metres at the 2018 Diamond League.
Championship Performances
At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Barega took silver in the 5,000 metres. He continued his success at the World Indoor Championships in 2022, winning gold in the 3,000 metres. In 2023, he earned a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the World Championships in Budapest. His personal bests reflect versatility, ranging from 3:32.97 in the 1,500 metres to 2:05:15 in the marathon.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 January 2000, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia
- Olympic Gold: 10,000 metres, 2020 Tokyo
- World Indoor Gold: 3,000 metres, 2022
- 5,000 metres personal best: 12:43.02
- Marathon personal best: 2:05:15
- World U20 5,000m record: 12:43.02
Questions readers ask
What is Selemon Barega's fastest 10,000 metre time?
His personal best in the 10,000 metres is 26:44.73, recorded in Hengelo in 2022.
How many times has he medaled at the World Indoor Championships?
He has won two medals: a silver in 2018 and a gold in 2022, both in the 3,000 metres.
