I know what I want when I start a marathon: to win! But what do you want? Make sure you're clear in advance and don't go out too fast.
Haile GebrselassieRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of staying connected and empathetic to one's community, even at personal sacrifice.
Haile Gebrselassie's quote reflects a deep commitment to solidarity with his community, suggesting that true leadership involves sharing in the experiences, struggles, and values of the people one leads. He argues against distancing oneself through personal successes or luxuries, as doing so may compromise one's ability to relate to and support those in need within the community. By expressing this sentiment, he conveys that a leader should prioritize the collective well-being over personal gain.
Themes
LeadershipCommunitySolidarityEmpathySacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of community engagement in leadership.
More from Haile Gebrselassie
All quotes →I will always listen to my coaches. But first I listen to my body. If what they tell me suits my body, great. If my body doesn't feel good with what they say, then always my body comes first.
Haile GebrselassieRead
You know the marathon in my country is just exceptional. It's like soccer in England. If England win the world cup and Ethiopia win the marathon - it's the same.
Haile GebrselassieRead
Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.
Haile GebrselassieRead
The marathon always starts after 30K. That's where the problems start. You start without any problems, without any pain. All the pain comes after 30K. Sometimes, it's possible to have pain even in the finger.
Haile GebrselassieRead
First, do enough training. Then believe in yourself and say: I can do it. Tomorrow is my day. And then say: the person in front of me, he is just a human being as well; he has two legs, I have two legs, that is all. That is mentally how you prepare.
Haile GebrselassieRead
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