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.

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

When you promise something, you must fulfill it.

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

Eradicate poverty. This is all that matters in my country. When I am out training I think about this a lot; when I am running it is going over in my mind. As a country we cannot move forward until we eradicate poverty.

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

When I run in Ethiopia, I look out and see eucalyptus trees and rivers.