Renowned Ethiopian Steeplechase Athlete

INTERVIEWBy Addisalem Mulat

Obviously, since the time of Abebe Bikila victory at Rome Olympics, several gallant Ethiopian athletes have been victorious and won immortal reputation in the sport arena. Captain Eshetu Tura is one of the victorious athletes who has made Ethiopian flag hoisted high in various athletics competitions. He has been medaled in several international tournaments. To everyone's surprise, Captain Eshetu Tura possesses a total of thirty gold, nineteen silver and thirteen bronze medals. This great Ethiopian figure was able to play a part in a range of tournaments representing his motherland and Africa. Hereunder follows his exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald on his life long experience in the field of athletics and personal life. Excerpts:

Let us begin with introducing yourself to our esteemed readers.

Well, my name is Captain Eshetu Tura. I was born in Northern Shewa near Alaltu Woreda. My parents were both farmers. I spent most of my childhood days on herding my parents' cattle. When I was fifteen years old, I came to Addis Ababa. As a child, I used to spend my pastime playing Ethiopian traditional game called Genna. It was played mostly in the month of December in our area.

With regards to my schooling, I completed my primary middle and high schools education while I was in the military. I attended the first one in Felege Yordanos School, located in place known as Kirkos and the second one in Misrak Goh situated in the heart of place called Kassanchise. In the fullness of time, I completed my high school education in Menilik Secondary School.

Where do you get the inspiration to pursue running career?

During my youth, famous Ethiopian athletes such as Captain Mamo Wolde and Captain Abebe Bikila were all over the media and public were talking about their heroism. Everyone from all walks of life was on familiar terms with their names. In the same way, at the time the Ethiopian athletes returned home from Mexico Olympics winning medals. I remember the welcoming ceremony was huge. There was also songs that glorify victorious Ethiopian athletes. I was not in the position to control my feelings along this line. After a short time, running became one of my daily routines.

Did your dream come true without beating about the bush?

As the idea of joining the Imperial Bodyguard commonly known as Kebur Zabagna sprang into my mind, I went straight there and asked them to hire me for the position I badly looked-for. But they poured cold water on my effort saying I was too young. They also suggested me to come some other time. I flew into a rage. In desperation I went to the then Fourth Brigade located around Meshualkya area and expressed my earnest interest to join the army to higher officials. They asked me questions on whether I could run long distance or not. I told them that I could run any distance with no trouble and hence they made me to run in the compound's sports field to test my talent. In this way, I ended up joining the Ground Force in 1968. I felt as if a huge weight was off my body.

While we are on the subject, before I joined the Ground Force, I used to live around Belay Zeleke Avenue. As my target was to join the Imperial Bodyguard, I used to train myself a lot. At the time there were no many cars in the capital, I used to catch up a bus number one effortlessly. At each and every bus stop I pulled alongside the bus. In due course, I would reach Meshualkya, the final destination at the same time.

What came to pass then?

I was taken to Negele Borena for military training. While I was there, I ran every day earlier than each military training session began to develop my skill and make my dream a reality. Everybody was cheer me up in my training and some also gave me advice. They were also telling me that I could be like the famous athletes of Ethiopia. I kept on simply struggling on my own as there was no anybody who could give me formal trainings. I was in the 4th brigade, 27th Major which was lead by Colonel Deneke.

As he always saw me doing running trainings over and over again, he went on forwarding his appreciation and respect in various ways. Someday he said, "To reach the level of famous athletes, you are expected to work all the time no matter what it would take. I do accept as true that you would be successful shortly. Do not give up hope." His words were source of my energy and power. At that specific juncture, I was taking part in all running events. I used to run three hours a day.

Do you remember the very first day you took part in running contest?

Yes, I do. At some point, in 1971, I participated in a marathon race which was held in the midst of brigades and came out third. Moreover, I came first in 3000mts steeplechase race held amongst brigades. At the end of the day, I was elected for the 4th Brigade. After the competition was over, we returned to Negeal Borena. The following year, another running context was held in the capital.

In the fullness of time, I was able to win the competition as expected. I won in 3000mts steeplechase and 5,000mts race. This time, my success opened a new chapter in my life. The thing was, I was elected for the national team. What is more, the 4th Brigade of Addis Ababa urged me to join them. But my brigade turned down their proposal. Last of all, following the pressure of high government officials, I was able to join the Addis Ababa 4th Brigade which was found around Meshualekia and the national athletics team in 1972.

Have you ever gotten the chance of participating with famous athletes of the time? If so, what was it like?

As I was in a good shape, I competed with famous athletes of the time in 1973 and came sixth in steeplechase race. After that, I came second in 1974 competing with famous athletes of the time. That same year, I was sent to China. In my stay there, I competed in three steeplechase races and came first in all of them. When I returned home, I happened to be a good contestant and became their number one choice. As there was the Montreal Olympic ahead of us, I soldiered on with doing the training non-stop. In the end, I participated in a competition which was held in Mombasa, Kenya.

After tough trainings I was sent to the Soviet Union to meet the requirements for Montreal Olympic. I was able to achieve the desired goal after a while coming second in the race. Besides, I came second in a competition which was held in Zanzibar, Tanzania. After joining in a number of tournaments fruitfully, I was chosen for the Montreal Olympic straight away. The Ethiopian Olympic team went their ahead of the competition. I was in a good shape. I took part in a competition test and registered the fastest time in the world. I became the talk of the entire contestants following my result. Different competitions were held there in various athletics sports. After we had stayed in the Olympic Village for ten days or so, something unexpected came to pass. Last but not least, we left the Montreal Olympic village once and for all.

Why did you leave the Olympic Village?

African countries opposed the participation of the New Zealand rugby team in South Africa. They expressed their stance immensely to the Olympic Committee. But the committee was not in the position to lend us its ears. At that specific juncture, Ato Yidnekachew was one of the committee members. At the end of the day, all African countries boycotted the Montreal Olympic. To be honest, two African countries remained in the Olympic Village. All our efforts went for nothing. If I had participated in the Montreal Olympic, I would have registered phenomenal results. Almost immediately, we returned home. Some athletes cried their eyes out.

Would you tell us your major achievements in athletics?

I have taken in numerous running races. For instance, I took part in world continental cup representing Africa which was held in Dusseldorf, German. In that point in time, we did not go straight to the competition area. After we had spent a month in Europe on training, we went to Dusseldorf. The bad thing was, a Kenyan competitor stepped on my heel gravely at some point in training session.

Everything turned out to be very difficult for me due to the pain. As there was nobody who was better than me in the steeplechase race, I participated in the competition and came second in the race. After three years, I won a bronze medal in Moscow Olympics. In the following year I took part in African Championship which was held in Egypt and came out second in the 5,000mts and first in 3,000mts steeplechase races. I also came out second in African Championship which was held in Senegal. It is a long story. I have won a number of medals.

What was the reaction of the people like when you returned home from Moscow Olympics?

The Moscow Olympics was only one of its kind. Countless people welcomed us following our victory. Just then, Mohammed and I won silver and bronze medals. Above and beyond, Miruts won gold medals in 5000 and 10,000mts race. When we left Bole Airport, we were encircled by thousands of people at the entrance. I was not able to believe my eyes. I did not become conscious where exactly I was until I arrived at 'Olympia' vicinity. After we greeted countless people waiting for us enthusiastically in different areas of the capital, we headed straight to Ghion Hotel. I still do not stop thinking about the crowd. It always comes in and out of my mind.

Have you ever gotten awards following your victory?

Sadly, I did not get life changing awards. We had been running for the love of getting medals and bunch of flowers for many years. If truth be told, let his soul rest in peace, after world championship Yidnekachew gave out 400 Deutsche Mark for Mirus Yifter and I. Prior to our departure, he said, "You can pay money for anything you want. When you return home, the government will do all the necessary support for you in a short time." When I returned home, the reverse came to pass. But I do not want to commit to memory that heartbreaking moment in my life.

Could you please tell us about the heartbreaking moment?

To begin with, when we came back home, we were welcomed by high government officials in the Derg head office. All government officials except Colonel Mengistu were in the welcoming party. I was not given credit for what I did for my country. Everybody's attention was towards Miruts Yifter. Nobody cared about me.

I was in the last row of the national team. Then, Fikreselase Wogdres came within reach of me asked me what my problem was. I said "I live in a camp. I do not even have a place to keep my cups. I put them in a box. I cannot even rent a house as my capacity does not allow doing that. I do need your support in this regard." This time, he said, "Your problem will be solved in a short time. Most of all, your case should be investigated and presented through the Sports Commission." I was granted only a military rank at that time.

Sooner or later, the Sports Commission presented Miruts Yifter case and no-one else. This being the case, Miruts Yifter was able to get a residential house in a little while. They turned a blind eye to my case. I did not know if I was standing on my head or my heels. I headed straight to the Sports Commission to figure out the case. They told me that I would be granted a residential house when I won additional medals some other time. Almost immediately, I left the office. There was even a time that I sought after to leave the country for good. Then I made up my mind to play a part in different running contest swallowing my anger and giving priority to my country's interest.

Did you then keep on winning medals?

I kept on doing a range of running trainings from time to time. At the end of the day, I participated in a competition which was held in France and won a gold medal in 5,000mts. Miruts Yifter was among one of the contestants. I developed into the talk of the whole world after a short time. All media lauded my success story. The news spread in every part of the world like a wild fire. Surprisingly, when I returned home, nobody mentioned about my victory. Everybody kept quiet.

How you retire from running?

In point of fact, I did not bring to a standstill running. The moment I gave up running, I completely shifted to marathon race. I played a part in Abebe Bikila Marathon shortly and thus came eighth. I ended up finishing the race by clocking a speed of two hours and 23 minutes. It was a good time. Finding a single person who was in the position to raise your spirits was not that easy. The situation was completely tear-jerking. After a long fight with my feelings, ideas and thoughts, I gave up running in 1987. In spite of the fact that there was something which was pinching me in the corner of my heart, I reached into this conclusion as I could not help it. I competed in different races for the love of my country. When and how did you get yourself involved in coaching?

As luck would have it, I got employed in the national team as steeplechase coach. Just then, Dr. Woldemeskel was the head coach. Before I forget, Million Wolde was the 3,000mts steeplechase runner. I had trained many athletes including him productively. At some point, he fell down during training session. When Million was recommended to shift to the 5,000meters race, he did not shilly-shally a little bit even. Inch by inch, the number of trainees under my supervision kept on raising.

As Ato Abeselom Yihdego felt affection for me with all his heart, he requested me what I sought after from him. I requested him to organize a club in fear and trembling. To my surprise, he did not hesitate to open a club for me as his joy was making my dream come true. Almost immediately, I began recruiting athletes to the new club. Athlete Sileshi Sihine, the long distance runner, was under my club. He was the 10,000 meters runner. I began coaching the national team as well as the club's athletes successfully. In the end, the club was closed down undyingly.

Why was the club closed down?

After I had made scores of athletes successful, the club closed down permanently for athlete Sileshi Sihine joined another club. Consequently, the club owner, Ato Abeselom Yihdego exploded with rage. May God rest his soul in peace, we have lost him. He was a good person. In fact, death is inevitable for anyone. I really feel pity for him. If truth be told, Sileshi Sihine was the most wonderful athlete I have ever seen in my life. He won the 5,000 and 10,000mts race which was held in the capital at the time he was under my supervision. He was an excellent athlete. To cut a long history short, he was strong and courageous.

How many athletes did you make successful to this point?

I had produced many athletes who have our flag hoisted up in the world stage. I had also a club called Alpha. Abebech Afework was under my supervision. I have shaped her while she was in the club. More to the point, I have made Yibrgual Melese, Saboka Dibaba, Shume Dechasa and other athletes triumphant. Most of them have moved from zero to hero. I am really proud of my achievements. The Ethiopian Athletics Federation has given me an award in this regard.

What is your take on athletes doing trainings in jungles of the capital?

It is crystal clear that there are countless athletes in different jungles of the capital. They always struggle to achieve the intended target in the absence of basic spices of life. They dream of joining different clubs in vain as they do not get formal training. Most athletes do not have the faintest idea about their talent except losing their energy innocently. I am always ready to assist any athlete who needs my help without charge. I can identify their talents through tests without difficulty and inform them at least which field is their talent. As far as I am concerned, a certain mechanism should be designed to wipe out the problem instantaneously. If we find sponsors willing to work with us, we can make the athletes achieve the intended target without difficulty.

Is it possible to find athletes who are able to follow the famous athletes' footsteps?

To the best of my knowledge, there are countless athletes in every part of our country. But in terms of quality they are near to the ground. We need to work hard to keep our pace in the usual fields and harvest the fruit of success as always. Frankly speaking, there are numerous athletes in Ethiopia but finding strong and successful athletes like Kenenissa Bekele, Haile Gebre-Selassie, Tirunesh Dibaba and the rest would be easier said than done.

What do you do for a living at this point in time?

Well, I was once the national team coach. I resigned later on my own will. When I would like to train athletes in the national stadium, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation is always cooperative. I really would like to forward my deep respect and appreciation in this regard. Whoever I want to train, they do not utter a single word of negative response. At this moment in time, I am looking for sponsors who are willing to work in joint venture with the intention of taking Ethiopian athletics to a new level of success. I am ready to train them at no cost.

Can you tell us a little bit about your marital status?

I got spliced in marriage many years ago. I have got a daughter and two sons. They all live in America. I have got a residential house. Thanks to God, I am leading a good life in my country. The government of Ethiopia has granted me a VIP pass. Whenever I go abroad or return home, I can easily pass many gates.Read more here