In these lockdown days do you need to be uplifted? Do you need to feel good? Do you need inspiration? Well two words will do that nicely…Efrem Gidey!
Bio: Eferm Gidey 19 years old, college student studying sport management in Colaiste Ide. I came to Ireland when I was 16 years old.
What age did you take up the sport of athletics and why? I took up the athletics at 16 years old because I love running and some athletes spoke to me about running. Christabel brought me to a park run in the local area so I could try out racing and see if I would like it. I won my first race and loved it, after I was small, I watch them on TV and I had a dream to be a famous runner.
When and why did you join Conliffe Harriers? I joined Conliffe Harriers in 2017 because I need to improve my skills how to run and to learn the basic runner skills and to achieve my goal to be a famous international runner.
What is your favourite training workout? My favourite workout will be a fartlek in Santry Park with my teams. I like to run by feel so fartlek allows that instead of chasing at a time 3minutes by 6 recovery time 70 seconds.
And your last favourite? long tempos run 30 minutes
What is your favourite race/athletics meet? My favourite race will be 6k all Ireland schools cross country and my favourite athletics meet Shone.
What is your most cherished or proudest moment in athletics? ( as athlete and or coach) Probably when I won my first international bronze medal in Portugal cross country European champion U/20 in 2019. I’d say that is my most cherished moment as it was a huge achievement to me. I was injury my hips never expected to get a 3rd place i thought at that time it will be hard because it all over the Europe and there were good athletes with a good experience.
What was your worst injury and how did you get over? I had fallen off the bike I get injury in my hips I couldn’t put any weight or even jump. This went on for some time and it was prolonged because I became hyper cautious about not wanting to cause more damage if they were even slightly sore. I did a lot of body strength work, management for the anxiety I had around my injury and I also worked with dietitian and learned how to recover better.
For a coach or seasoned athlete what piece of advice would you give an aspiring athlete? I would like to say don’t lose hope and work hard and plan a goal for the future. Go to success don’t wait success to come over to you.
Do you have any memorable or funny story from Conliffe Harriers that you could share? After the Euro Cross race in Portugal when I came back to Ireland I thought this is like a any race and I will go back home alone from the airport but I was surprised when I saw the gathering. people from Clonliffe Harriers came to welcome me and my teammates. It was crazy day which I will not forget at all. Even after the airport they organised a party for me. It’s unforgettable, I had a great time this one is good memorable to me I love you all in my club.
Who is your sporting hero? My sporting hero is Kenanisa Bekele he is an Ethiopian athlete 1500m and 3, 5k, 10k half mar and marathon runner he is one of the athletes inspired to me.
What is your favourite meal? My favourite food is called dero wete it means chicken with spice sauce; it is an Eritrean and Ethiopia traditional food.
What is your favourite…? A Film Titanic, TV Prison Break B, Song I like to listen to upbeat music when I run hip hop music. Lose yourself by Eminem.
What is your favourite holiday destination? Ethiopia it is great weather.
What is your favourite hobby / activity outside athletics? I like cycling, to make fashion design, watching movies, swimming, listening to music
How would your non athlete friends describe you? Fun loving, good personality, silence
What is your next running athletics goal? I would like to get a gold medal in 5,000 A big goal would be to qualify and run international championship in cross country.
How you are motivating yourself to continue training at these difficult times? I just generally enjoy running to achieve my goal I motivated myself to feel I have a race.
Finally, you know what you mean to Clonliffe, so what does Clonliffe mean to you? I want to thank everyone in my club but I especially want to talk about my coach and friend Joe. I want to let you know how much we appreciate your investment in our lives. You are our role model and live as an example of how to persevere in difficulty. I am so lucky to have a coach who inspires me every day to be better than the day before. I hope I can inspire future champions as you have inspired me these two years. You’re awesome!
You taught me so much, but also went beyond that to show your love and care for the team. We’re so grateful for your efforts! You relentlessly worked with me to help me reach the top. You are amazing coach and amazing club and amazing people.
I honestly don’t know what I would have achieved without you in my life. Although the workouts you create can be hard for me to get through, they’ve helped me improve my mind and body. You’re an incredible trainer, and I’m so grateful for your work. You’re encouragement and constant motivation pushed me to heights I never thought possible. Thank you for inspiring me to be excellent in everything I do.
Thank you for bringing out the best in me.
