ATHLETE GOTYTOM GEBRESLASE WON THE WOMEN’S MARATHON AT THE 18TH ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP. The following statement his excerpt from her interview.
“I am the 3rd child in my family. My mother was highly respected in the area when she conceived me, then when I was born she called me “gotiytom” – as in ‘lady’.
“I am happy, but I am emotionally all over the place with mixed emotions. I would have liked to hear and see my mother and father celebrating just like all Ethiopians. May God bring peace and… It’s great fun, but I’m also a little confused.”
“Believe me, I know where I was this time. I left Tigray last year when the road opens. First, God helped me, then my coaches not only by training, but also by helping me not to get hurt like a brother. They brought me here saying don’t worry everything will pass. I thank them!”