A blistering command performance in the 10,000 saw her claim her third Olympic gold, but her double attempt was thwarted in the 5,000 by Defar and Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya as she was relegated to the bronze medal position.

Dibaba shows no sign of winding down her career, but she is involved in several commercial projects, which include building a hotel.

Having earned her own wealth, she takes pride in providing employment in a developing country such as Ethiopia.

"We create jobs for those who don't have any. We create opportunities," she said.

The next goal

Dibaba has never forgotten the help of her family and the sacrifices she has had to make to achieve her success.

"I remember there were days where I felt could not complete my training program. But because I had to finish it, because my coach (Hussein Shebo) would advise me that it's a must to complete the program, I would finish the program," she said.

"There were times I got so tired that I would go to bed without eating food, only drinking water. To run well and be a good sportsperson, you have to work hard."

Rising around 6 a.m., she will do two sessions per day, preparing for the track season with intensive speed sessions as part of a specially devised schedule.

Dibaba is usually in bed by 9 p.m. and restricts herself to a mostly pasta and rice diet.

She will eventually move up to the 42 kilometers which make up the longest race on the track and field program -- the marathon being her ultimate goal for the 2016 Games in Rio.

"I want to do something special, that is historic and unforgettable. Especially in the Olympic marathon, I want to compete there. I believe that is what is left for me to achieve."