Haile Gebrselassie aims for Ethiopian Athletics Federation presidency

The long-distance running great hopes to be elected as president to take Ethiopian athletics to a “higher level”

Haile Gebrselassie hopes to become president of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) when elections take place on Sunday (November 6).

The long-distance running great had a long and successful competitive athletics career which spanned 23 years, since 1992 when he won the 5000m and 10,000m titles at the World Junior Championships. He went on to set 27 world records and 61 Ethiopian records, as well as win two Olympic gold medals and eight world titles both indoors and out.

In addition to his athletics career, Gebrselassie is also a businessman and employs more than 2000 people in several businesses. He is involved in real estate projects, owns four hotels, a coffee plantation and is the distributor for Hyundai in Ethiopia.

The 43-year-old is also a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations and is involved in tree planting and road projects. He has built several schools in his residential area.

“Athletics changed my life completely and I am thankful for that,” said Gebrselassie. “I have gained a lot of experience throughout my athletics career and now it is time to give back to my country and sport.

“I am looking forward to use this experience and work together with all the people involved in EAF to bring Ethiopian athletics to a higher level.”

Source: Athletics Weekly