Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet Aims High

He may be the next Kenenisa Bekele.

Most 18-year-olds are busy thinking about college or other things, but not Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrihiwet. The recent world cross-country champion in the junior division is calculating his chances to win gold.

Specifically, he’s looking at this summer’s IAAF World Championships in Moscow.

“Qualifying for Moscow, that’s all I’m thinking of right now,” he said. “I just want to maintain my current best performance and keep doing my training properly and without fear. In Moscow, I aim to gain something big for my country and myself too.”

With the likes of Ethiopian greats like multiple world-record holder Kenenisa Bekele and marathon legend Haile Gebrselassie entering the twilight of their careers, all eyes appear to be on Gebrhiwet to pick up the proverbial running torch.

At the junior level, Gebrhiwet has already proven himself. After all, he owns the world junior record for 5000m (12:47.53) and also leads the world in the 3000m distance.

For More: IAAF