Haile Gebrselassie

Biography

Haile Gebrselassie ran with a smile that made the impossible look effortless. Twenty-seven world records across distances from 1500m to the marathon tell the story of a man who could dominate any race he entered. Two Olympic 10,000m golds, four world championship titles, and a marathon world record in his 30s when most distance runners have retired. His running style, developed running to school as a child, was instantly recognizable - short, quick strides eating up the ground. For two decades, whenever Gebrselassie toed the line, everyone else was racing for second.

Career Highlights

• 2 Olympic gold medals (10000m)
• 27 world records
• 4 world championship golds
• Marathon world record holder
• Dominant from 5000m to marathon

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