DjamgaMind Kids
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Haile Gebrselassie, The Smiling Champion

Free · Ages 4–8 · About 2 minutes to read aloud · Also available in French
Haile Gebrselassie, The Smiling Champion

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In the heart of Ethiopia, where the air is thin and the highlands touch the sky, a young boy named Haile discovered his love for running. Growing up on a farm in Asella, Haile didn't have fancy running shoes or a smooth track. Instead, he had ten kilometers of dirt roads between his home and his school, and he ran them every single day. He carried his schoolbooks tucked under his left arm, which later gave him his famous, unique running posture. Despite the tough conditions, Haile never stopped smiling. He knew that every step he took was bringing him closer to his dreams. When he finally stepped onto the world stage, the boy from Asella became a legend. Haile Gebrselassie didn't just run; he flew. He set twenty-seven world records and won two Olympic gold medals in the ten thousand meters. But more than his medals, it was his radiant smile and boundless optimism that captured the world's heart. He showed everyone that true greatness isn't just about winning races; it's about running with joy, lifting others up, and never giving up no matter how long the distance. Haile's legacy teaches us that our greatest challenges can shape our greatest strengths.

Quiz

Questions to talk about afterwards

Where did Haile Gebrselassie grow up?
  • Addis Ababa
  • Asella
  • Nairobi
  • Cairo
How many kilometers did he run to school every day?
  • 5 kilometers
  • 10 kilometers
  • 20 kilometers
  • 1 kilometer
How many Olympic gold medals did he win?
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
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