Famous Ethiopian Athletes

Derartu Tulu is an Ethiopian former long-distance runner who excelled in track, cross country running, and road running up to the marathon distance. She made history by becoming the first Ethiopian woman and the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Throughout her career, she achieved remarkable success, including winning multiple Olympic and World Championships medals in the 10,000 meters event. Derartu also served as the President of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation.

Almaz Ayana Eba is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner with a remarkable career. She has achieved significant success in various international competitions, including winning gold and bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics and multiple medals at the World Athletics Championships. Almaz broke the 10,000 meters world record at the Rio Olympics and held it until 2021. She has also set impressive records in marathon running, showcasing her versatility and talent as a top athlete in the world of long-distance running.

Letesenbet Gidey is a dominant force in long-distance running, holding multiple world records and titles. She has achieved remarkable feats in various distances, including the 5000m, 10000m, half marathon, and road races. Letesenbet's exceptional talent was evident from a young age when she won the junior race at the World Cross Country Championships. Throughout her career, she has continued to break records and make history, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished and versatile athletes in the world of distance running.

Yomif Kejelcha Atomsa is an accomplished Ethiopian distance runner with a successful professional career. He has achieved significant milestones in his athletic journey, including winning silver in the 10,000 metres at the 2019 World Athletics Championships and securing gold medals in the 3000 metres at the 2016 and 2018 World Indoor Championships. Kejelcha holds the world indoor record for the mile and has previously won titles such as the 2013 World Youth 3000 m champion and the 2014 World Junior 5000 m gold medallist.

Miruts Yifter, also known as "Yifter the Shifter," was an Ethiopian long-distance runner who achieved great success in his career. He won two gold medals at the 1980 Summer Olympics, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill in endurance running. Yifter's prowess on the track earned him a reputation as a formidable competitor and a standout athlete in the world of long-distance running. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring runners and fans of the sport worldwide.

Meseret Defar Tola is a highly accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner specializing in the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters events. She has achieved remarkable success in international competitions, including winning Olympic and World Championship gold medals in the 5,000 meters category. Defar has broken world records in her events multiple times and has earned numerous medals at prestigious competitions. Known for her dominance in indoor events, she has secured multiple gold medals at the IAAF World Indoor Championships and has established herself as a formidable force in long-distance running.

Tiki Gelana is a highly accomplished Ethiopian professional long-distance runner specializing in marathon races. She holds the Ethiopian national record for the marathon and has achieved significant victories in prestigious races such as the Amsterdam Marathon and the Rotterdam Marathon. Gelana won a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, setting a new Olympic record. She has demonstrated exceptional skills and resilience in her career, consistently delivering impressive performances on both national and international stages.

Muktar Edris is a highly accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his performances in track and cross country races. He has successfully competed at both national and international levels, showcasing exceptional talent and determination. Edris has a proven track record of achieving podium finishes and setting impressive records in various events. His dedication to training and his strategic race tactics have earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor in the professional running world.

Abeba Aregawi Gebretsadik is a retired middle-distance runner known for her specialization in the 1,500 meters event. She achieved significant success in her career, including winning a bronze medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2012 Summer Olympics and a gold medal at the World Championships in 2013. Noteworthy for representing both Ethiopia and Sweden internationally, Abeba Aregawi has left a lasting impact on the world of athletics with her impressive performances and achievements in middle-distance running.

Tamirat Tola Abera is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his success in track, road, and cross country events. He secured a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has since excelled at various international competitions. Notably, he clinched a silver medal at the 2017 World Athletics Championships and a gold at the 2022 edition, where he set a championship record. Tamirat has also achieved podium finishes at prestigious marathons like the Tokyo, London, and New York City Marathon, including a record-breaking win in 2023.

Abadi Hadis was a highly accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his exceptional performance on the track. His achievements included placing 15th in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Olympics and winning a bronze medal at the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. He was recognized as one of only five men in history to achieve impressive running milestones, such as running sub-13 minutes for 5000 meters, sub-27 minutes for 10,000 meters, and sub-59 minutes for the half marathon. Tragically, his promising career was cut short by his untimely passing in February 2020 at the age of 22.

Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian marathon runner and a back-to-back Olympic marathon champion. He was the first Ethiopian Olympic gold medalist, achieving this feat at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome while running barefoot. He won his second gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first athlete to successfully defend an Olympic marathon title. Abebe, a former soldier, participated in a total of sixteen marathons, winning twelve races and setting world records in both of his Olympic victories.

Tariku Bekele Beyecha is an Ethiopian professional long-distance runner known for his expertise in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters events. He has achieved significant success in his career, including winning gold at the 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships and a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the 10,000 meters category. Tariku has consistently performed well in various competitions, finishing in the top eight at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the World Championships in Athletics in 2005 and 2007.

Birhanu Legese Gurmesa is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his success in major marathons. He secured victories at the prestigious Tokyo Marathon in both 2019 and 2020, highlighting his exceptional endurance and skill. Legese also achieved an impressive second-place finish at the 2019 Berlin Marathon, solidifying his position among the world's elite long-distance runners. Currently, he is a member of the renowned NN Running Team, managed by Global Sports Communication, further enhancing his professional standing in the athletics world.

Kenenisa Bekele Beyecha is an Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his exceptional career achievements. He held world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m races. Bekele won multiple Olympic and World Championship titles in both events, showcasing his dominance on the track. He also excelled in cross country competitions, winning numerous titles. Transitioning to road racing, he achieved impressive marathon times, solidifying his status as one of the greatest distance runners in history.

Amedework Walelegn is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his impressive performances in various international competitions. He has achieved significant success in events such as the IAAF World U20 Championships, IAAF World Cross Country Championships, Istanbul Half Marathon, New Delhi Half Marathon, and the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships. Walelegn has consistently demonstrated his talent and determination by setting new personal bests, breaking records, and securing victories at prestigious races, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier athlete in the world of long-distance running.