Growing up on a farm in Asella, Ethiopia, Haile Gebrselassie developed a distinctive running posture by carrying school books during his ten-kilometre daily commute. This early routine forged an athlete who would go on to break 61 national records and 27 world records, eventually earning the nickname The Emperor for his sustained dominance across diverse distance running disciplines.
Early Competitive Success
Haile gained global attention in 1992 by winning 5,000-metre and 10,000-metre races at the World Junior Championships in Seoul. By 1993, he began a streak of four consecutive world championship titles in the 10,000 metres. His 1993 victory involved a notable moment where he recovered from a shoe collision with Moses Tanui to win on the final straight.
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Throughout the 1990s, he set multiple world records, including a 12:56.96 performance in the 5,000 metres in 1994. In 1995, he lowered the 10,000 metres record to 26:43.53 in Hengelo and the 5,000 metres record to 12:44.39 in Zürich. He was named Track & Field News Athlete of the Year in 1995 and 1998, reflecting his consistent ability to break records and win major events.
Olympic Achievement and Transition
In 2000, he became the third man to successfully defend an Olympic 10,000 metres title, narrowly defeating Paul Tergat by 0.09 seconds in Sydney. As his career progressed, he shifted focus from track to road running. He secured four consecutive Berlin Marathon wins between 2006 and 2009, setting a world record of 2:03:59 in 2008 that stood for three years.
Business and Public Life
Beyond sports, he is a businessman contributing to Ethiopian development. He appeared as himself in the 1999 film Endurance. His business interests faced setbacks during 2020 civil unrest, when his properties were burned and employees were displaced. In 2021, amid the Tigray War, he publically stated his intention to support military efforts against the Tigray People's Liberation Front.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Assela, Ethiopia
- Olympic Medals: Two gold medals in 10,000 metres
- World Records: 27 set throughout career
- Primary Languages: Amharic
- Recognition: Princess of Asturias Award for Sports (2011)
- Significant Title: 2001 World Half Marathon Champion
- Career Peak: Track & Field News Athlete of the Year (1995, 1998)
- Notable Honour: Silver Olympic Order (2001)
Questions readers ask
How many world records did he set during his career?
He is credited with setting 27 world records across various track and road distances.
What is the origin of his nickname, The Emperor?
He earned the title due to his extensive achievements and dominance in distance running events.
Achievements
- Track & Field News Athlete of the Year
- Silver Olympic Order
- Bislett medal
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- 1997 World Championships in Athletics – men's 10,000 metres
- 1993 World Championships in Athletics – men's 5000 metres
- 1993 World Championships in Athletics – men's 10,000 metres
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