Daily Champion (Lagos)
20 June 2007
interview
Lagos — Legendary long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie is one the most successful athletes in the world. His consistency in the tracks remained a mystery to many. What are the secrets of his achievements?. He bares his mind in this interview.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
It was my winning gold in the 10,000m at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000. I had a lot of problems before the race because I had just had my first Achilles operation.
The race was between me and Paul Tergat. He looked like he had won but I came back at the very last moment to win by less than a second. It was something very special.
What was the reaction when you returned to Ethiopia?
There was over a million people who came to greet me. Seriously, more than a million people were out there fore me. From the airport downtown and through to the stadium. That feeling is why I am still running - it gave me a lot of motivation.
How did you manage to stay at the top for so long?
It was not easy but once you start it is very difficult to stop. I always have a goal to do something. That way I keep running. It's an addiction to winning. But it's also an addiction to run - it is like a drug. If I'm not sweating I don't feel good.
Why are you so keen to help budding athletes?
If you ask any young athlete how important the support it, it is very special for them. By the age of 14 or 15 I planned to become a world-class athlete but I had nothing. It was a struggle. To become an Olympic champion is not easy and the most important part is at the beginning of your career.
What was your routine as a budding athlete?
From the age of five I used to do the things you see in films - running 10km to school and the same back home. In some parts of Ethiopia they are still doing the same. They start running at five and they are very good when they start doing serious running. It gives you a good headstart!
What are you early athletics memories?
My first race at school stands out. I was 14 at the time and some of them were five or six years older than me. No-one believed I was a good runner. Everybody said I was too young but I just asked for the chance.
It was a hard moment - I was crying. But the teachers finally said I could start in the 1500m and at the start I raced away from everyone. They all laughed and said after one lap I would slow right down. But I didn't stop - I won that race! Everybody ran and hugged me. It was a special moment.
How did it compare to winning gold at the Olympics?
To win at the Olympics is something very special - something unforgettable. The feeling was one of not believing it was actually happening to myself. It was like I was dreaming.
What is your advice to any youngsters?
Sport depends on the person. If they think that the sport is difficult, it will be difficult. If they think sport is easy or they enjoy, they will find it easy or enjoy it. But you also have to be disciplined. And the final factor is hard work.
What can London expect from the 2012 Olympic?
London is a great city. It is a popular city but after 2012 it will become even more well known. The whole world will expect a lot from London. The Olympics offer a great chance to meet different people from different countries. It is a great atmosphere.
Can we expect to see you there?
I do plan to run here. Why not? I don't feel really tired - I still feel young. I won't run the 10,000m but I'll go for the marathon.
Will you be going in to win it?
If I think about running, it will be only to win. I hope to be there!
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