Ethiopia’s Athletes Shine in Africa’s Best Athletes of the 21st Century
Are These Africa’s 25 Best Athletes of the 21st Century?
From football to athletics to rugby to swimming, Africa has produced some of the world’s finest athletes. Leonard Solms and Lindsay du Plessis took on the daunting task of ranking the continent’s premier athletes from various sporting disciplines, who have excelled since 2000. Here, we focus on the Ethiopian athletes who have made it to this prestigious list.
1. Kenenisa Bekele, Long-Distance Running
Key accomplishments:
- 3X Olympic Gold Medallist
- 5X World Championship Gold Medallist
- 11X World Cross Country Championship Gold Medallist
- 2X Berlin Marathon Winner
Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele has dominated the 5,000 and 10,000-metre track races throughout the 2000s, holding world records in both distances until 2020. Bekele set his 5,000-metre world record in 2004 and the 10,000-metre record the following year. Recently, he has transitioned to marathons, winning the Berlin Marathon in 2016 and 2019. His inclusion in Ethiopia’s marathon squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics underscores his versatility and enduring excellence.
2. Tirunesh Dibaba, Long-Distance Running
Key accomplishments:
- 3X Olympic Gold Medals
- 5X Athletics World Championship Gold Medals
- 5X World Cross Country Championship Gold Medals
Tirunesh Dibaba is arguably the greatest female distance runner of all time. She has dominated the 5,000m and 10,000m races for much of the millennium and won gold at the 2017 Chicago Marathon. Her rivalry with compatriot Meseret Defar in the 3,000 and 5,000 metre races, particularly in the mid-2000s, highlighted her exceptional talent. Dibaba’s success in both track and marathon events showcases her incredible range and endurance.
Ethiopian Athletes’ Impact on Global Sports
Ethiopian athletes have not only set records but have also inspired a generation of runners and sports enthusiasts. Their achievements on the global stage have brought pride to Ethiopia and highlighted the country’s prowess in long-distance running. As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the world will once again witness the enduring legacy and talent of Ethiopian athletes like Kenenisa Bekele and Tirunesh Dibaba.
Source: Leonard Solms and Lindsay du Plessis, ESPN .
Citation:
[1] Leonard Solms and Lindsay du Plessis, “Are these Africa’s 25 best athletes of the 21st century?” ESPN, accessed July 20, 2024.
