Running Inspirations:  "There were a lot of athletes that I admired but in particular I can think of Derartu (Tulu - her cousin) and Haile (Gebreselassie)."

 

Leisure Activities/Interests: "I watch movies and I also go to churches."

 

Musical Tastes:  "Lots of American music [smiles]. Ethiopian music, Ethiopian folk singers, Teddy Afro."

 

Early Running Memory:  "The six kilometer I did in my hometown, that's what I remember. (How old were you and what place?) I was 15 and I was second."

 

First Job:  "Athlete."

 

First Car:  "I got a BMW 750 (black)."

 

Pre-Race Feeling:  "My feeling is to win. Or be a very good competitor in the race."

 

Favorite Meal:  "Injera - it's traditional Ethiopian bread."

 

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:  "Chocolate and strawberry [smiles]."

 

Greatest Sports Moment:  "When I got the 5 and 10,000 (2008 Olympics). That was the greatest moment."

 

Most Painful Moment:  "When I lost the Golden League in Berlin (2006)  to (countrywoman and rival) Meseret Defar. (If Tirunesh had won that sixth and final event of the Golden League, she would have earned a portion of the $1,000,000 jackpot for winning all six events of Golden League.)"

 

Embarrassing Career Memory:  "None [smiles]."

 

Favorite Athletes To Watch:  "I watch a lot of sports. In particular I like soccer. And when it comes to athletics, I watch every event. (Any particular favorite athletes?) 100 meters men and Sania Richards in 400."

 

People Qualities Most Admired:  "To see people equally."

 

(from the July issue of Track & Field News)