Many people know that Ethiopia is poor. When I break a world record, maybe people get to know something else about Ethiopia, something good. We can't make planes or cars, we don't have the materials. We do what we can. — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
You must do as your people do. If my people are poor, I must be poor. People ask me, 'Why don't you find a personal coach or a private car?' I can't. Then I won't be part of my people. — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
When I run in Ethiopia, I look out and see eucalyptus trees and rivers. — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
I always tell young athletes the same thing, 'Wherever you go, whatever you do, what must your top priority be? Running.' — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
This hand is not very active always, because it was in this hand that I carried my books. My carrying hand was always my… — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
My father thought sport was something fun - he didn't know it was a way to make money. — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
He was not a runner, my father, but he was quick. I always remember it was very difficult to escape from him when he… — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
Why should I say I will retire in three or four years? You retire the very moment you utter those words. — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
The marathon always starts after 30K. That's where the problems start. You start without any problems, without any pain. All the pain comes after… — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
My father didn't think running was sensible. He told me running is just wasting time. — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
The more you are getting older, you lose a little something. Of course there is another advantage, because of your long experience you can… — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
I was the kind of child who worked hard every day with the cows and sheep - I was a very aggressive boy. — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
When I had no shoes I was comfortable - I used to run barefoot. When I wore shoes it was difficult. To run in… — Haile Gebrselassie Copy Share Image
