A week after her victory at the New York marathon, Derartu Tullu, 38, talks with VOA about the string of successes she has experienced in Olympic competitions and other major races she has won throughout the world. In addition to many marathon victories, she has won Olympic medals in Barcelona, Sydney and Athens and has three times won the world cross-country championships.

She talks with Nigusu Negawo and Jalene Gemeda about her running career and her life’s challenges.

One of the biggest tests for a woman whose career is built on courage was the day three years ago when she went to a Maryland hospital for seventh-month maternity exam. The doctors discovered life-threatening complications in her pregnancy. They said she must have a Caearean section. She refused, and collapsed. When she woke from a six-day coma, she met her daughter, Ruth, who is now three years old.

Tune in to the Afan Oromo show today and tomorrow for exclusive interviews with Derartu Tullu.