Gudaf Tsegay (© Dan Vernon)
World Athletics Inside Track visits Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay during an interval session with her training group.
After ending 2023 with a world 5000m record, expectations are high going into the Olympic year.
As one of the most accomplished runners in her group, with some talented youngsters looking up to her, she feels a lot of responsibility to not only make her country proud and secure a so far elusive Olympic gold medal, but also to inspire the rest of her group, coached by her husband, to greater things.
"Being there to represent my country brings immense feelings. Our people always expect us to win. Our seniors are known for bringing gold medals to Ethiopia," says Tsegay.
"Being a medallist isn’t the goal, getting the gold medal is. I feel a great responsibility when I represent my country.
"The Olympics is a big stage, and it’s my dream. I’ve succeeded in everything else, and the only thing left is the Olympic (gold).
"I’ve been a two-time world champion, and the Olympics is my next goal."
