Haile GEBRSELASSIE
GEBRSELASSIE is considered one of the greatest runners in history, holding an incredible 27 world records in almost every long-distance and middle-distance event.
Décembre 1999 : Haile GEBRSELASSIE (ETH) s'entraîne à Addis, en Éthiopie (1999) by AllsportThe Olympic Museum
Running to school
Growing up on a farm in Ethiopia, Haile GEBRSELASSIE would run 20 kilometres every day to get to school and back. As an adult, he continued running with his arm tucked in, just as he used to when he carried his books under his arm.
Histoire des marathoniens africains et interview d'Haile Gebrselassie (Magazine Olympique no 202) by Comité International OlympiqueThe Olympic Museum
The emergence of the African nations
Since the victory of Ethiopia's Abebe BIKILA in the marathon at Rome 1960, African athletes have consistently dominated long-distance and middle-distance races.
Haile GEBRSELASSIE embarked on his long-distance running journey in 1992, securing a double victory in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at the Junior World Championships. The 10,000-metre specialist added to his accolades by winning four World Championship titles in the same event between 1993 and 1999.
Double Olympic champion
The Ethiopian athlete became a two-time Olympic champion in the 10,000 metres, triumphing first at Atlanta 1996 and then at Sydney 2000. On both occasions he delivered sensational performances, battling against his main rival, Kenya's Paul TERGAT.
A change of pace
From 2002 onwards, Gebrselassie shifted his focus to the half marathon and marathon. He achieved an impressive feat by winning the Berlin Marathon four times in a row (2006-2009) and the Dubai Marathon three times in a row (2008-2010).
Berlin 2008 - Hailé GEBRSELASSIE (ETH) bat le record du monde du Marathon en 2h03'59'' (Magazine Olympique no 178) (2008) by Comité International OlympiqueThe Olympic Museum
Berlin 2008
His most iconic victory came at the 2008 Berlin Marathon, where he became the first man to break the 2:04 barrier, finishing in a remarkable time of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 59 seconds.
Beijing 2008, 10'000m Hommes - Haile GEBRSELASSIE (ETH) 6e avec le drapeau éthiopien. (2008) by Comité International OlympiqueThe Olympic Museum
Beijing 2008
At the 2008 Olympics, Haile GEBRSELASSIE finished sixth in the 10,000 metres and decided not to participate in the marathon.
Passing on the legacy
While he narrowly missed out on qualifying for London 2012, GEBRSELASSIE has the honour of being one of eight athletes to carry the Olympic flag during the opening ceremony.
In 2015 he called time on his sporting career.
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