Haile Says He Intends Going Politician

Addis Ababa, April 08, 2002 (WIC)- Ethiopia's Athletics Superstar Haile Gebresilassie has announced his intention to go into politics, and help his fellow countrymen beat poverty.

Haile told the Guardian Newspaper that it is not because he wanted power but because of what he could do for the people. "I want to do something for the people."

He added: "I have many fans, many people love Haile Gebreselassie. Thank you for that. They need a reply from me. If I was in politics, I would give that reply."

"Eradicating poverty," would be his reply to the Ethiopian People as a politician. "This is all that matters in my country. When I am out training I think about this a lot; when I am running it goes over in my mind. As a country we cannot move forward until we eradicate poverty".

He said sport has been great experience, a great learning place that if one has the will, one can accomplish anything, even if you are from the poorest part of Africa

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