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.
His initial significant awards occurred in 1998: he won 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 claimed the gold in the event.