The next season, in his first year in the senior ranks, Haile won his first world champion title, taking the 10,000m title in Stuttgart. His big breakthrough on the international scene came in 1992 when he won the Junior world title at 5,000m and 10,000m. As a youngster, his big running hero was fellow Ethiopian Abebe Bikila – who won Olympic gold in 1960.
He then decided to concentrate more on running. This made him (and others) excited at his potential. Although he was younger than the other competitors he started off fast and held on to win. Haile said his first race was a 1,500 m school race. He used to run barefoot 10km to school every day, carrying his school books. Haile was one of ten children growing up on a farm in Arsi Province, Ethiopia. During his career, he broke 27 world records and is widely considered one of the greatest distance runners of all time.Īlthough he is still a keen runner, he has announced plans to enter into politics to help his country, Ethiopia move forward. He has won major titles at all distances from 1500 metres to the marathon. Winning two Olympic gold medals at 10,000 metres, and four world championships at the same distance.
Haile Gebrselassie was born 18 April, 1973 in Asella, Arsi Province, Ethiopia.
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