His first major medals came in 1998: he took the 5000 metres gold medal at the 1998 Goodwill Games and then a silver medal behind Haile Gebrselassie over 3000 m at the 1998 IAAF Grand Prix Final. Two years later at the 2000 IAAF Grand Prix Final, he won the gold in the event.
In 1998, his first major accolades were a gold medal in the 5000 metres at the Goodwill Games and a silver medal behind Haile Gebrselassie over 3000 m at the IAAF Grand Prix Final. Two years later, he won the gold at the 2000 IAAF Grand Prix Final.