DOB: June 8, 1985 In: Chefe village, Arsi, Ethiopia
Running Inspirations: “There were a lot of athletes that I admired but in particular I can think of Derartu (Tulu – her cousin) and Haile (Gebreselassie).”
Leisure Activities/Interests: “I watch movies and I also go to churches.”
Musical Tastes: “Lots of American music [smiles]. Ethiopian music, Ethiopian folk singers, Teddy Afro.”
Early Running Memory: “The six kilometer I did in my hometown, that’s what I remember. (How old were you and what place?) I was 15 and I was second.”
First Job: “Athlete.”
First Car: “I got a BMW 750 (black).”
Pre-Race Feeling: “My feeling is to win. Or be a very good competitor in the race.”
Favorite Meal: “Injera – it’s traditional Ethiopian bread.”
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: “Chocolate and strawberry [smiles].”
Greatest Sports Moment: “When I got the 5 and 10,000 (2008 Olympics). That was the greatest moment.”
Most Painful Moment: “When I lost the Golden League in Berlin (2006) to (countrywoman and rival) Meseret Defar. (If Tirunesh had won that sixth and final event of the Golden League, she would have earned a portion of the $1,000,000 jackpot for winning all six events of Golden League.)”
Embarrassing Career Memory: “None [smiles].”
Favorite Athletes To Watch: “I watch a lot of sports. In particular I like soccer. And when it comes to athletics, I watch every event. (Any particular favorite athletes?) 100 meters men and Sania Richards in 400.”
People Qualities Most Admired: “To see people equally.”
(from the July issue of Track & Field News)
Topics: 2008 Olympics, American Music, Bmw 750, Countrywoman, Derartu Tulu, Dibaba, Ethiopian Music, Field News, First Car, First Job, Folk Singers, Greatest Sports, Haile Gebreselassie, Leisure Activities, Meseret Defar, Musical Tastes, Painful Moment, Sania, Sports Moment, Teddy Afro
Biofile with Tirunesh Dibaba | 