The high plateaux of Ethiopia have produced light-footed and courageous athletes : Bikila, the barefooted runner in the 1960’s, Yfter, the little captain, in the 70’s and since the early 90’s, Gebreselassie.

Born in 1973, the 10 000 m champion who took gold in Atlanta spends most of his time in his own country. He travels abroad only for competitions or to work with his Dutch coach.
Three times world champion and record holder, Gebre has become legend in his own time. His races are transmitted by Ethiopian television, watched by entire villages who consider him a hero.