Haile Gebrselassie Quotes

A collection of quotes by Haile Gebrselassie.

Haile Gebrselassie is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born on April 18, 1973, in Asella, Ethiopia, he grew up in a humble family of ten children. Haile initially walked barefoot up to ten kilometers to school every day, which helped to develop his incredible endurance from a young age.

Gebrselassie's breakthrough in international athletics came during the 1992 Olympics when he won a gold medal in the 10,000 meters race. Throughout his career, he achieved remarkable success, setting a total of 27 world records and winning numerous titles in various international competitions, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships.

Beyond his impressive athletic achievements, Haile Gebrselassie has become a highly regarded figure off the track. He has used his fame to promote humanitarian causes and foster development in Ethiopia. In 2000, he established the Haile Gebrselassie Foundation, which supports education, health, and sports initiatives in Ethiopia. Gebrselassie's dedication to his country led him to serve as ambassador for various organizations and campaigns, advocating for health, education, and economic opportunities for Ethiopian youth.

In addition to his philanthropic endeavors, Haile Gebrselassie had a successful business career. He established multiple companies, including a hotel chain, a coffee plantation, and a real estate development firm. Through his entrepreneurship, he aimed to contribute to Ethiopia's economic growth and provide job opportunities for his fellow citizens.

Haile Gebrselassie's records, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact on society have made him a respected and influential figure both within Ethiopia and the global athletic community.

Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard w

Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.

Haile Gebrselassie


I'm lucky. The best possible place in the world for training

I'm lucky. The best possible place in the world for training is Addis Ababa, so I am home all the time except when I am racing. I like to be there, near my family, my kids, also the real estate business I run with my wife.

Haile Gebrselassie

Business

Life is a kind of struggle. Life is a sort of fight.

Life is a kind of struggle. Life is a sort of fight.

Haile Gebrselassie

Life

That is not enough. Sport has been great for me, a great lea

That is not enough. Sport has been great for me, a great learning place that if you want to achieve you can, even if you are from the poorest part of Africa.

Haile Gebrselassie

Learning

I wanted to experience New York, to look up and see building

I wanted to experience New York, to look up and see buildings.

Haile Gebrselassie

Experience

When I wake up at 5 in the morning is it just to jog? Defini

When I wake up at 5 in the morning is it just to jog? Definitely not, I give it all of my efforts.

Haile Gebrselassie

Morning

I find the business world hard.

I find the business world hard.

Haile Gebrselassie

Business

I wanted to be famous. I wanted people to talk about me.

I wanted to be famous. I wanted people to talk about me.

Haile Gebrselassie

Famous

I have to change a lot of things before I become a good mara

I have to change a lot of things before I become a good marathon runner.

Haile Gebrselassie

Change

Age for me is just a number.

Age for me is just a number.

Haile Gebrselassie

Age

I want to go down in history.

I want to go down in history.

Haile Gebrselassie

History

I feel a social responsibility. We need to open people's eye

I feel a social responsibility. We need to open people's eyes. There is a lack of education in Ethiopia.

Haile Gebrselassie

Education

The more you are getting older, you lose a little something.

The more you are getting older, you lose a little something. Of course there is another advantage, because of your long experience you can use it.

Haile Gebrselassie

Experience

You must do as your people do. If my people are poor, I must

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

Car

I will always listen to my coaches. But first I listen to my

I will always listen to my coaches. But first I listen to my body. If what they tell me suits my body, great. If my body doesn't feel good with what they say, then always my body comes first.

Haile Gebrselassie

Great

What can you do if a part of it is uphill? You can't work ou

What can you do if a part of it is uphill? You can't work out another route. You've just got to run the one they give you. But they tell me London is a nice course. Even the cobbles, I hope, are not very much of a problem for me.

Haile Gebrselassie

Hope

This is what I wanted. They tell me that London is the best

This is what I wanted. They tell me that London is the best field in history. I wanted to be part of that. Because everyone will be there it will be a wonderful challenge for me. You can see the best runners, how they look, how they run. For me to beat the best is what counts.

Haile Gebrselassie

History