Fatuma Roba

Fatuma Roba (born 18 December 1973) is an Ethiopian long-distance runner, best known for being the first African woman to win a gold medal in the women's Olympic marathon race at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics and for winning three successive Boston Marathons. Quotes I really did not get any encouragement from anyone, but I pushed on because I liked to run. I made my first national team in 1988. Roba on starting races in 2008. I knew I would be the Olympic Champion. I was running and the others were looking backwards, so I understood that they were tired, when for me the pace was easy. It was nice, because I could run strong and enjoy. Roba spoke on significance of olympic in 2008. I knew of 1960 Olympic marathon winner Abebe Bikila and 1968 winner Mamo Wolde from the radio, so I thought I’d try it, too. Roba on her inspiration regarding marathon in 2000s. They thought I should be doing women things. Roba spoke on her parent's disapproval in running in 2000. I do not really want to be famous,But it's nice to be among the renowned athletes. Roba on her marathon victories in 2000. I am hoping to make history, I feel like I have made good preparation. Roba spoke on her preparation in 2000. Well, for me the greatest of all marathons is of course the olympic marathon, but second place is Boston. Roba spoke on marathons in 2000. Sometimes, if there are a lot of people around me when I go to a store, I feel a bit intimidated. I used to be shy. I still consider myself shy, but I'm a little better now and I'm getting used to it. Roba on being shy around people in 1998. I'm very happy to win a second time, I found it to be a very easy race. Roba spoke on her races in 1998. I've been told there is a big hill, but I didn't see it. Roba response on Boston course in 1998. They all went out of their way, getting us awards and everything. Roba spoke on Boston Marathon in 1998. Even if I never ran again, I would have been content. Roba spoke on her olympic victory in 1998. The reaction I felt from people had a big impact on me, I suddenly felt such a great sense of responsibility. I felt that I had to try to keep running, as long as I possibly could. Roba spoke about running in 1998. Before the race I was afraid of the others with better times, but soon I realized that they were not running fast today, I picked up the speed and they would not follow. At that point I was already sure that I would win because I practiced very hard. Roba spoke on her fears during races in 1996. Never again, never again will I do this distance, it is too long. Roba spoke of her race in Paris Marathon in 1994. This is not only a special thing for me but also for my country and all African women. Roba spoke on her summer olympic victory in 1992. Quotes about Fatuma Roba She is the only woman from Africa who has won the Olympics and Boston Marathon three times. She is an inspiration for us. Kenya's Lornah Kiplagat made her Boston debut on Roba in 2000. I think she is an example for a lot of women who are discouraged by the culture because it does not reward you. Misrak Assefa spoke about Roba in 2000. If she can win four times, it gives us much more potential to think we can do it, maybe six times. Lornah spoke of Roba as an inspiration in 2000. For women, she seems like a very special person, she's very determined, If she wins four, we don't need anything else. Assefa in admiration of Roba races in 2000. My wife gave birth to a baby girl soon after the Olympics and I named her 'Fatuma' after you. Coach Mohammed Ali in admiration of Fatuma in 1998. She ran with the same smooth stride and placid, dispassionate look on her face that she carried through the Olympic race. Runnersworld reported Roba in the Boston race in 1997. The most relaxed-looking runner I have ever seen. Olympic Marathon Champion, Frank Shorter spoke of Roba races in 1997. External links Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:Women from Ethiopia Category:Runners Category:Sportspeople from Ethiopia