I feel a social responsibility. We need to open people's eyes. There is a lack of education in Ethiopia.

I used to run to school, 10k every day. And this at altitude, perfect preparation, really.

When you run the marathon, you run against the distance, not against the other runners and not against the time.

If you're planning only to make money and nothing else, you'll be broke.

My father thought sport was something fun - he didn't know it was a way to make money.

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

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.