Haile Gebrselassie

Haile Gebrselassie is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, born on April 18, 1973, in Asella, Ethiopia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of all time. Gebrselassie began his professional career in the 1990s and gained international recognition for his performances in the 5000 meters, 10000 meters, and marathon races.

Gebrselassie is known for his exceptional endurance, speed, and consistency. He has won numerous individual awards, including two Olympic gold medals, and holds several world records in various distance events.

Off the track, Gebrselassie is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Youth and Early Career: Gebrselassie showed his running talent early on, often running 10 kilometers to school every morning. He made his international debut at the 1992 World Junior Athletics Championships, winning the 5000 meters race.

1990s

• Global Recognition: Gebrselassie established himself as the world's top distance runner in the 1990s. He won two Olympic gold medals in the 10000 meters (1996 and 2000) and four World Championship titles in the same event.

2000s

• Marathon Career: In the 2000s, Gebrselassie transitioned to marathon racing. He set a world record in the Berlin Marathon in 2007 and won numerous other major marathons during this era.

Ethiopia National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for Ethiopia in 1992.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Gold medalist in the 10000 meters in 1996 and 2000.
• World Championships: Winner of the 10000 meters in 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999.
• Gebrselassie is Ethiopia's most decorated athlete and one of the most successful distance runners in history.

• Events: Primarily competed in 5000 meters, 10000 meters, and marathon races.
• Skills: Known for his exceptional endurance, speed, and consistency. Gebrselassie is celebrated for his strategic approach to races, often using a combination of pace variation and late surges to outclass his competitors.

• Family: Gebrselassie is married and has four children.
• Philanthropy: Gebrselassie is actively involved in various charitable activities and has made significant contributions to education and health initiatives in Ethiopia.

• Haile Gebrselassie is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and longevity in professional athletics. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Records:

• Held 27 world records throughout his career

Olympic Gold Medals:

• Two gold medals in the 10000 meters (1996, 2000)

World Championship Titles:

• Four titles in the 10000 meters (1993, 1995, 1997, 1999)

Major Marathon Wins:

• Multiple victories in major marathons, including Berlin and Dubai

Books

• Pearson, R. (2011) The Perfect Distance: Ovett and Coe: The Record-Breaking Rivalry. London: Yellow Jersey Press.
• Cox, R. (2015) Running Free of Injuries: From Pain to Personal Best. London: Bloomsbury Sport.

Websites

• IAAF: Information about Haile Gebrselassie’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.iaaf.org
• Olympics: Details about Gebrselassie’s career at the Olympic Games. Available at: https://www.olympics.com
• World Athletics: Updates on Gebrselassie’s performance and records. Available at: https://www.worldathletics.org

Articles

• Runner's World: Haile Gebrselassie: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.runnersworld.com
• The Guardian: Haile Gebrselassie’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/haile-gebrselassie

Interviews and Documentaries

• Endurance (1999): Directed by Leslie Woodhead and Bud Greenspan. This documentary provides a detailed look at Gebrselassie’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Haile Gebrselassie, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com