Haile Gebrselassie Will Run a Different Race Come 2015

Olympian and world track champion Haile Gebrselassie recently confirmed his intention to run for a seat in the Ethiopian parliament in 2015.

Haile Gebrselassie, pride of Ethiopia and two-time Olympic gold medalist announced that he intends to run as a candidate in the Ethiopian parliament elections on 2015. This intention has long been speculated.

Haile Gebrselassie is among the most famous and well-respected athletes in track and field history not just in his country but in the whole world. Gebrselassie made a mark as the man who once dominated the 10,000 meter track. He won four consecutive World Championships from 1993 to 1999, and the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000). He also has 27 world records to his name.

A different road

Gebrselassie was able to make a name for himself by sheer talent and hard work. From the start of his career and from the time he announced his retirement Gebrselassie was able to maintain his status and reputation as one of the fastest men alive. Gebrselassie retired officially in 2010. Nevertheless, still not ready to give it all up, he continued participating in major marathons showing the world how intense his love and passion for running is. After recovering from a knee injury, he competed in the 2012 Vienna Half Marathon and placed third. He also participated in the 2013 Boston Marathon that was hit by a bomb attack.

Sports stars and politics

Going into politics after enjoying a successful career in athletics has become a popular choice for sports celebrities around the world. Prior to this confirmation there was talk that celebrity athlete Gebrselassie will eventually find his way into the world of politics.

Should Haile Gebrselassie be given the chance to serve his people by winning in the 2015 elections, he would be following in the footsteps of other iconic sports personalities who have made the successful transition to politics.

Former Olympian Sebastian Coe, also a two-time gold medal winner served the British parliament between 1992 and 1997. Coe, a former middle distance runner who dominated his turf successfully defended his title as one of the fastest men alive a couple of times. He was recently appointed as the chairman of the organizing committee in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Pound for pound boxing legend Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao of the Philippines also found much success in politics. Pacquiao was the first boxing personality to become a world champion in eight different divisions. This Filipino boxing legend managed to secure a spot in the House of Representatives. He was first elected in May of 2010 as Congressman of Sarangani province and has won a second term in the mid-term election in May of this year.

Ethiopia moving forward

Haile Gebrselassie intends to use his influence to make a difference in his beloved country. By running for a position in the Ethiopian parliament, the 40-year-old track and field star is embarking on a totally different race. “Yes, I want to be in the parliament in 2015 to help my country to move forward,” Haile Gebrselassie declared via Twitter. He also said that in sports, he cannot always be on top and affirmed that his time running the track is almost over.

Photo Credit: Haile Gebrselassie