My father thought sport was something fun - he didn't know it was a way to make money. Then I won a Mercedes at the world championships and I gave it to him. From the moment it arrived my father said: 'Good, you can support not just yourself but me too'.

Haile Gebrselassie

Arrived Championships Father Fun Gave Good He Him Just Know Make Me Mercedes Moment Money Said Something Sport Support Then Thought Too Way Won World You Yourself

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My father didn't think running was sensible. He told me running is just wasting time.

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— Haile Gebrselassie

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He was not a runner, my father, but he was quick. I always remember it was very difficult to escape from him when he was angry. If he wanted to beat us he would always catch us. Even me, he could always catch me.

— Haile Gebrselassie

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

— Haile Gebrselassie