Haile Gebrselassie

Athlete

Haile Gebrselassie is an Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his world records and remarkable resilience in overcoming challenges in athletics.

Born
April 18, 1972
Quotes
74
Rank
#6068

About Haile Gebrselassie

Haile Gebrselassie — Life and Legacy

Haile Gebrselassie is a celebrated Ethiopian long-distance runner, renowned for his exceptional achievements in the sport, including multiple Olympic gold medals and world records. His journey from a modest upbringing in rural Ethiopia to the pinnacle of athletics showcases not only his physical prowess but also his unwavering determination and resilience. Gebrselassie's philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea of self-belief and perseverance. He famously stated, 'You have to believe in yourself,' a sentiment that underscores his approach to both training and competition. This belief in oneself is crucial, especially in a sport where mental fortitude is as important as physical capability. His quotes often reflect a mindset that embraces challenges, as seen in his assertion that 'The marathon is a race against yourself,' highlighting the internal struggle athletes face. His impact extends beyond the track; Gebrselassie's experiences resonate with many who face their own adversities. His quotes serve as reminders that resilience and self-confidence are vital for overcoming obstacles. Today, his words continue to inspire athletes and individuals alike, reinforcing the notion that success is not merely about winning but about the journey and growth that comes from striving for greatness.

Quote collection

Haile Gebrselassie quotes (page 1 of 4)

74 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Haile Gebrselassie Athlete
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"All athletes need three things: commitment, discipline and hard work. Without that it's hard to keep running."

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"When you run the marathon, you run against the distance, not against the other runners and not against the time."

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"First, do enough training. Then believe in yourself and say: I can do it. Tomorrow is my day. And then say: the person in front of me, he is just a human being as well; he has two legs, I have two legs, that is all. That is mentally how you prepare."

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"I always tell young athletes the same thing, 'Wherever you go, whatever you do, what must your top priority be? Running.'"

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"For me a day without training is like a day without eating."

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"Some people start a sport just to reduce weight, or some say, 'My doctor ordered me to run and do exercise', and for others, they run for completely different benefits. But it is not like that with sport. We need to eat, we need to rest, but also we need to run."

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"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."

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"You need three things to win: discipline, hard work and, before everything maybe, commitment. No one will make it without those three. Sport teaches you that."

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"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."

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"I love running and I will always run."

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"It is not my duty to spend my money in my country, but it is what I want to do. There is nowhere else I would like to invest."

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"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."

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"My father thought sport was something fun - he didn't know it was a way to make money. Then I won a Mercedes at the world championships and I gave it to him. From the moment it arrived my father said: 'Good, you can support not just yourself but me too'."

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

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"I can't change everything by myself but I can be one of the people who are trying to change the situation."

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"I know what I want when I start a marathon: to win! But what do you want? Make sure you're clear in advance and don't go out too fast."

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"My school was six miles away from where I lived on the farm. I had to walk and run, there and back every day, through gorges and over rivers. If I was late, there was a very big stick waiting for me."

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