The history of Ethiopian Athletics

Ethiopian athletics dates back to the early 20th century, when the country was part of the Ethiopian Empire. The first recorded athletic event in Ethiopia was a cross-country race held in Addis Ababa in 1910. This race was won by a local runner, Wolde Giyorgis.

In the 1930s, the first Ethiopian national athletics team was formed. This team competed in the 1934 British Empire Games in London, where they won a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay.

In the 1950s, Ethiopia began to make its mark on the international athletics scene. Abebe Bikila became the first Ethiopian to win an Olympic gold medal when he won the marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. He also won the marathon at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first person to win consecutive Olympic marathon titles.

In the 1970s, Ethiopia began to dominate the world of long-distance running. Miruts Yifter won gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, while Mamo Wolde won the marathon at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

In the 1980s, Ethiopia continued to excel in long-distance running. In 1984, Ethiopian athletes won gold medals in the 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics.

In the 1990s, Ethiopia began to produce world-class athletes in other events. Haile Gebrselassie won gold medals in the 10,000m at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2000 Sydney Olympics, while Derartu Tulu won the 10,000m at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Today, Ethiopia is one of the most successful countries in the world of athletics. Ethiopian athletes have won numerous medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships and other international competitions.