Quotes from Haile Gebrselassie

Like some high official, you have to tell your brain: 'Do it. Come on. I have to do it.'

When I had no shoes I was comfortable - I used to run barefoot. When I wore shoes it was difficult. To run in shoes was ok, but at the beginning of my career it was 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.

Why should I say I will retire in three or four years? You retire the very moment you utter those words.

I have seen things few of my countrymen have. The first time I went on an aeroplane I couldn't work out how the lavatories worked up in the sky.

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.

Age for me is just a number.

You must do as your people do. If my people are poor, I must be poor. People ask me, 'Why don't you find a personal coach or a private car?' I can't. Then I won't be part of my people.