Haile Gebrselassie’s Impact on African Athletics

Brief Summary

• Haile Gebrselassie rose from rural Ethiopia to become a global icon in athletics, setting over 20 world records across distances and winning two Olympic golds.
• After retiring, Haile transitioned into entrepreneurship and leadership, founding successful businesses, advocating for athletes, and promoting sport as a tool for development.
• Despite injuries and setbacks, Haile consistently made powerful comebacks, earning global honours and becoming an enduring symbol of African excellence and determination.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria—Even if African athletics is undoubtedly full of raw talent, it did not have the same level of worldwide recognition or steady supremacy before Haile Gebrselassie's rise to prominence. 

Indeed, there were exceptional runners from Ethiopia and Kenya before him, but Gebrselassie was the one who united talent with international acclaim. His narrative is about shattering barriers, not simply breaking records.

Haile wasn't meant to be a worldwide celebrity; he was born in a little Ethiopian hamlet. However, fate had other ideas. By the time he left the track for good, he had changed the way people across the world saw African athletes and modified distance running. 

This piece touches on all corners of how Haile Gebrselassie became a source of inspiration not only in Ethiopia but throughout Africa and the world. 

Haile Gebrselassie’s Rise to Stardom

Ethiopia: The Start Up Point

On April 18, 1973, Haile Gebrselassie was born in Ethiopia's Arsi Province. He was raised on a rural farm in Asella, where running was not just a pastime but also a necessity, and he was one of ten children. 

Every day, he ran 10 kilometres, frequently barefoot, to and from school. That distinctive jogging motion with the bent arm that became his trademark? It resulted from holding schoolbooks tightly under his arm while running every day.

Haile's path was self-made, in contrast to children in many parts of the world who are recruited and trained at a young age. Not a trace. No expensive footwear. No coaches. Simply grit.

First Signs of Brilliance at Junior Level

The Ethiopian sports community quickly took notice of this young child who was a lightning-fast runner. Gebrselassie had already established himself at junior tournaments by the time he was sixteen years old.

He made his international debut in 1992 when he won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the World Junior Championships in Seoul, South Korea.

Earning these medals sent a resounding message to the world, stating clearly that long-distance racing was entering a new era and would be dominated by Africa, with Haile at its forefront.

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The Big Breakthrough

Gebrselassie won his first senior world gold in the 10,000 meters at the World Championships in Stuttgart in 1993, a year after making his breakthrough as a youngster. From that point on, it was record after record and gold after gold. 

He became a household name and a representation of African greatness by dominating the distance events through the 1990s.

The constancy of his rise was even more impressive. He was at the top of his game for almost 20 years, frequently defeating younger, quicker runners and still winning. It's uncommon to live so long, and it says a lot about his mentality, discipline, and training.

Haile Gebrselassie’s Competitive Achievements

Olympic Triumphs

Haile's Olympic experience is legendary. At the 1996 Atlanta Games and the 2000 Sydney Games, he won gold in the 10,000-meter event.

In an interview with BBC News Africa, Haile described his affectionate intention of wanting to become an Olympic champion from the youngest stage of his career.

His victory over Kenya’s Paul Tergat in a thrilling final in Sydney is still regarded as one of the greatest Olympic moments ever. He defined the race as a memorable one. 

In his words: “The race between me and my friend, Paul Tergat, was an amazing moment, especially the last 100m. Until the last 20 metres, Paul was in front of me.

“I don’t say I beat Paul. I didn’t beat Paul, believe me. I couldn’t pass Paul in the last 20 metres. It was ‘Hand of God’, like Maradona said. That day was the ‘Leg of God’.” Watch the interview here.

World Records Across Distances

From the 2,000-meter to the marathon, Gebrselassie held over 20 world records during his prime. Such adaptability is practically unheard of. He achieved world records in the 5,000-meter (12:39.36) and 10,000-meter (26:22.75) events in 1998.

Subsequently, he switched to the marathon, where he set new records and became the first man to finish the Berlin Marathon in less than two hours and four minutes (2008). Every accomplishment increased the standard for all those who came after it and tested the limits of human endurance.

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Beyond the Track: Haile’s Role as a Mentor and Entrepreneur

Sports Ambassador and Public Figure

Medals have never been the only thing Haile Gebrselassie has accomplished. He moved smoothly into the position of sports ambassador after years of dominating the track, not only for Ethiopia but for all of Africa. 

He was a favourite among international sports organisations and institutions because of his charm, eloquence, and humility. Whether speaking at the UN or collaborating with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Gebrselassie was genuine in his discussion of how sport can change people's lives.

Business Ventures and Economic Contributions in Ethiopia

Following his retirement from competitive sports, Haile focused on his business career. He ran that race with the same tenacity as was to be anticipated. In Ethiopia, he established a multifaceted commercial empire that included a chain of movie theatres, hotels, coffee farms, and real estate.

For example, the Haile Resort brand is one of Ethiopia's most prosperous hospitality businesses, boasting opulent establishments in popular tourist destinations including Addis Ababa, Arba Minch, and Hawassa.

He has served as President of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, using his platform to reform the system, improve conditions for athletes, and advocate for transparency.

Challenges and Setbacks

Despite its amazing highs, Haile's career wasn't without its setbacks. He had injuries that may have ended his career, just like any other top athlete. He suffered from knee soreness, muscular strains, and Achilles tendon issues, particularly in the last years of his career. What was remarkable, though, was not just that he recovered, but that he returned stronger.

He made remarkable and inspirational comebacks. For example, many people thought he would retire after he had knee injuries in 2010. However, he came back to run good marathons. 

Three days before the semifinals, he had a critical Achilles tendon problem but won the race even with Kenya’s Paul Tergat as a contender. Haile relives his ordeal in an interview with Supersport in 2019. Watch the video.

Awards and Honours

Haile Gebrselassie is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2000) in the 10,000 meters, and also boasts four World Championship titles in the same event. Additionally, he has won four World Championship outdoor titles and five indoor titles.

• 3x AIMS World Athlete of the Year (2006, 2007, and 2008)
• IAAF Athlete of the Year (1998)
• Jesse Owens Award from the International Amateur Athletic Association (1998)
• AIPS Power of Sport Award
• Lifetime achievement award by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
• Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the UNDP
• Honorary degree from the University College Dublin (UCD) in recognition of his work in development, particularly in education and combating HIV/AIDS.