Some people call him “A man from another planet.” Others call him the best long-distance runner of all time in the world for the reason that he always stood first in the competitions he partook and remained record holder.
In all races he competed in, from track to long-distance, he has always been a winner who achieved repetitive victories; broke world records almost in all competitions.
Because of the wins he scored frequently; and the name he has made for himself, whenever he is going to compete on tracks and fields, not only the hearts of Ethiopians; but the global community will be all ears; and set eyes on him.
Born in the town of Bekoji, Arsi Zone of Oromia State in 1973, Athlete Haile Gebrselassie is truly not only an Ethiopian hero but also a championship of all time. Repeatedly, he made all Ethiopians smile happily with him in times of his triumph, to weep with joy while the Green, Yellow and Red flag of Ethiopia flew high above at the global showground.
According to documents, among others, Haile won two Olympic gold medals and four World Championship titles over the 10,000 meters. He also won in the Berlin Marathon four consecutive times and three straight wins at the Dubai Marathon. He earned four world titles indoors and was the 2001 World Half Marathon Champion.
Currently, aside from his success in the athletics field, Haile’s name is also raised in the business industry; mainly in tourism and hotel sector. In turn, he has created jobs for citizens and is developing the country’s tourist destinations located in various corners of the country.
In fact, Haile’s wins are not gained simply, but through hard work and perseverance. This was also well portrayed in a documentary film written in 1999 under the title “Endurance” and revolving around the life and achievements of the Athlete. In the film, in which he, himself, is playing the role of the protagonist; Haile has shown how the victories are hard won gains through hard work, dedication and determination. He has paid a lot to reach where he is now.
Not only that, the museum, “Haile Museum”, located in Sululta Town, Sheger City Administration, in the premises of “Yaya Village” and demonstrating athlete’s hard work, commitment and success story, is the other living testimony. Most importantly, the trophies, medals, certificates and a number of awards kept in the museum have a lot to speak about Major Athlete Haile Gebreselassie, aspire the young generation to work persistently and follow suit.
According to Docent of the Museum Mesay Yakob, as Athlete Haile was residing in rural area, he used to run at least ten kilometers every day to serve his family and attend his education. This has also helped him to focus on running; to move to Addis Ababa and achieve his dream. Hearing the success of Athlete Abebe Bikila in the Rome Olympics game also motivated him to become a runner.
In addition, the victory Athlete Miruts Yifter, who has been known as “gear changer”, registered in the 5,000 and 10,000 km at the Moscow Olympic, made Haile more eager to join the athletics field and take part at Olympics, he added.
And the young boy, who was inspired by these two heroes, joined athletics to make his dream a reality. As luck would have it, he started competing in competitions organized in his birthplace Assela and won various schools races.
His first award was a wooden varnished trophy, decorated with hedgehog’s spikes. This trophy is kept in the Museum. Haile also received a number of medals, he added.
However, when Haile came to Addis Ababa, life was not simple as he thought it and could not achieve his dream as expected. He passed through lots of ups and downs. However, he never loses hope; rather confronted all the challenges enthusiastically until he was able to find himself. And as success comes to those who work hard, he did it finally.
He started outshining not only locally but also at the global arena. Surprising his competitors, making history and letting Ethiopia’s flag fly high above in the world platform, he created his own unique identity. In races where Haile participate, victory became an indisputable matter,
Ever since he started participating in the athletics, Haile has testified his extraordinary competence, excelled and awarded several awards including varied trophies, medals, and honorary awards he was given from various countries in recognition of his performance,
The gold medals given to him from his country and won at the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics, more than 27 records he broke, and special awards for being the best athlete in the world are the other prestigious treasures of the athlete; and his country.
What is more, the honorary doctorates he was awarded from the University of Birmingham, the University of Ireland and Jimma and Addis Ababa universities are the timeless prizes that commemorate the endurance and golden victory of Athlete Haile Gebreselassie.
These all are kept carefully in “Haile Museum” and are visited by visitors.
BY ELIZABETH MENGISTU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 26 AUGUST 2023
