Ht: 5-6 Wt: 95.

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).”

Hobbies/Interests: “I watch movies and I also go to churches.”

Musical Tastes: “Lots of American music [smiles]. Ethiopian music, Ethiopian folk singers, Teddy Afro.”

First Running Memory: “I started athletics when I was 14.”

Nicknames:  Tiru, The Baby-Faced Destroyer.

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 (meters at 2008 Olympics in Beijing). That was the greatest moment.”

Most Painful Moment: “When I lost the Golden League in Berlin 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 Sanya Richards in 400.”

Family: Husband, Sileshi Sihine.

People Qualities Most Admired: “To see people equally.”

Career Accomplishments: 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in 5000m – youngest Ethiopian to win an Olympic medal; Also won world championships in the 10,000 event (2007, 2005) and the 5,000 (2005, 2003).

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)