Ethiopia Announces Athletics Team for Paris Olympics

Ethiopia has unveiled its athletics team for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, featuring three world-record holders and a reigning champion among the athletes. The full roster includes 41 athletes, with nine on standby, set to compete across seven events from July 26 to August 11.

Key Athletes and Events

The team boasts three of the four athletes who medaled at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Lemecha Girma, Gudaf Tsegay, and Selemon Barega. Notably absent is silver medalist Letesenbet Gidey. Selemon, Ethiopia’s sole gold medalist from Tokyo, has qualified for two events but will focus on defending his 10,000m title. Joining him in this event are Berihu Aregawi and Yomif Kejelcha, with Hagos Gebrehiwot and Adisu Yihune competing in the 5000m.

Gudaf Tsegay, the 5000m Olympic bronze medalist and current world-record holder, will aim for her first Olympic gold. Lemecha Girma, holding world records in the 3000m steeplechase and indoor 3000m, will also compete, seeking his first gold medal after several silver finishes in previous global championships.

Marathon Squad and Other Competitors

The women’s marathon team is led by Tigist Assefa, who set a world record with a time of 2:11:53 in Berlin last year, and reigning World Athletics Champion Amane Beriso. Veteran athlete Kenenisa Bekele will spearhead the men’s marathon team.

This year’s team lacks a qualified participant in the men’s 800m event but includes Misgana Wakuma for the men’s 20km walking race.

Full List of Athletes Representing Ethiopia in Paris Olympics

Women:

• 800m: Habitam Alemu, Tsige Duguma, Worknesh Mesele.
• 1500m: Gudaf Tsegay, Birke Hayelom, Diribe Welteji.
• 5000m: Ejigayehu Taye, Gudaf Tsegay, Medina Esa.
• 10,000m: Gudaf Tsegay, Tsigie Gebreselama, Fotyen Tesfay.
• Marathon: Tigist Assefa, Amane Beriso, Megertu Alemu.
• 3000m Steeplechase: Simbo Alemu, Lomi Muleta.

Standby Athletes:

• 800m: Nigist Getachew.
• 1500m: Hirut Meshesha.
• 5000m: Freweyni Hailu.
• 10,000m: Aynalem Mebratu.
• Marathon: Goytitom Gebresilassie.

Men:

• 1500m: Samuel Tefera, Abdisa Feyisa, Ermias Girma.
• 5000m: Hagos Gebrehiwot, Yomif Kejelcha, Adisu Yihune.
• 10,000m: Berihu Aregawi, Selemon Barega, Yomif Kejelcha.
• Marathon: Sisay Lemma, Deresa Geleta, Kenenisa Bekele.
• 3000m Steeplechase: Lemecha Girma, Samuel Frew, Getnet Wale.
• 20km Walking: Misgana Wakuma.

Standby Athletes:

• 1500m: Tadesse Lemi.
• 5000m: Selemon Barega.
• 10,000m: Biniam Mehary.
• 3000m Steeplechase: Abrham Sime.
• Marathon: Tamirat Tola.

Ethiopia’s diverse and talented roster aims to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics, continuing the nation’s proud legacy in long-distance running and track events.