I think if you come first with a new world record, that is the best.
When you talk about world record times, you have to understand that everything must be perfect the weather, the course, the temperature. It is not always enough to be in good shape.
At the moment I am a little bit politician, yes. I think that could be my next step. It is not because I want power, it is because of what I think I could do for the people.
I used to run to school, 10k every day. And this at altitude, perfect preparation, really.
Considering that the race is star-studded no runner will be willing to set the pace for the others. This is why a record will be almost impossible.
This hand is not very active always, because it was in this hand that I carried my books. My carrying hand was always my strongest. Now I think my other hand has developed more muscles from signing all those autographs.
You know the marathon in my country is just exceptional. It’s like soccer in England. If England win the world cup and Ethiopia win the marathon – it’s the same.
Since I achieved something, running has exploded in my country. For me sometimes it is difficult even to know who the athletes are who are competing at the highest level. There are thousands.
I have to change a lot of things before I become a good marathon runner.
I wanted to experience New York, to look up and see buildings.
I’m a runner first before anything else.
If your body is damaged, wounded, it can be fixed, but if inside, mentally, you are wounded you cannot fix it, it’s hard.
You know for me when I promise something I want to deliver. If you don’t, you have to disappear.
I was the kind of child who worked hard every day with the cows and sheep – I was a very aggressive boy.
Schooling is so important.
You lose the speed before the stamina.
I find the business world hard.
The more you are getting older, you lose a little something. Of course there is another advantage, because of your long experience you can use it.
My father thought sport was something fun – he didn’t know it was a way to make money.
Since I achieved something, running has exploded in my country.