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. - Fatuma Roba

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.

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.

I am hoping to make history, I feel like I have made good preparation.