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 need three things to win: discipline, hard work and, before everything maybe, commitment. No one will make it without those three. Sport teaches you that.
Interpretation
Success in any endeavor requires discipline, hard work, and commitment.
In his quote, Haile Gebrselassie emphasizes the fundamental qualities essential for achieving success, particularly in sports. He points out that discipline, hard work, and a strong commitment are vital ingredients that drive individuals towards their goals, suggesting that without these attributes, achieving success becomes nearly impossible.
In practice
In a motivational speech to young athletes, this quote could inspire them to remain dedicated to their training.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once you have commitment, you need the discipline and hard work to get you there.
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.
Guys ask me, don't I get burned out? How can you get burned out doing something you love? I ask you, have you ever got tired of kissing a pretty girl?
Our grand business undoubtedly is, not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.
Going to the Olympics as a Maasai I want to make them proud because, after the warm welcome they gave me when I went back and being their leader, I want to also be the warrior in the Olympics. That will be something good because that will be the first Olympic gold medal for the Maasai.
I believe that constant effort, tireless effort, pursuing clear goals with sincere effort is the only way
I want to go to practice. I want to be in the huddles. That's me.
Whatever you think today becomes what you are tomorrow.
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