Haile Gebreselassie made us all proud time and time again in the last few years braking 18 world records, winning two Olympic 10,000m gold medals and four world 10,000m titles. The stories of most of his compelling and heroic victories have been told all around the world overshadowing the gloomy stereotypical stories that western media outlets propagate relentlessly. Although athletics excellence has been one of the hallmarks of Ethiopia for a very long time, Haile is like no other athlete not only in Ethiopia but also anywhere in the world. He has made all the impossible possible setting a perfect example to people of all nations and ages what we can achieve as humans if we strive hard enough.

Now we have entered another era in which Haile passed his impervious running excellence on to someone who seems to have the potential to be even greater – Kenenissa Bekele. As Ethiopia welcomes its newest hero however, we need to say loudly that we couldn't be prouder of the outstanding achievements of Haile Gebreselassie. Haile was a winner yesterday, he is today and he will always remain a winner.