Coach Declines Award: “I Am Ready to Accept Whatever Comes My Way, But Not the Reward”

Unexpected Event at the National Palace

Today at the National Palace, during an awards ceremony attended by President Sahlework Zewde, an unexpected event unfolded. The ceremony, intended to honor the achievements of Ethiopian athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics, took a surprising turn during the awarding stage for members of Poris Luukan’s team.

Coach Gemedo Refuses the Award

Coach Gemedo, who played a significant role in training the athletes, stunned the audience with his refusal to accept the award. ” I as a  coache have demonstrated my hard work. This award is not suitable for me,” Gemedo stated. “It does not seem right to receive two million birr for my country after winning  one gold and one silver.”

He then addressed President Sahlework Zewde directly, saying, “With sincere apologies, Honorable President, I am ready to accept whatever comes my way, but not this reward.” The coach’s refusal highlighted his belief that the award should reflect the collective effort and the actual accomplishments of his team.

Discrepancy in Athlete Rewards

Coach Gemedo also voiced his concerns over the disparity in rewards given to the athletes he trained. The hero athlete Tamrat Tola, who secured Ethiopia’s only gold medal in the men’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, was awarded 7 million birr and a gold medal. However, other athletes who won silver medals were given 4 million birr each.

Athlete Tamrat Tola Honored

Tamrat Tola was celebrated as Ethiopia’s hero for his outstanding performance in the marathon at the Paris Olympics. The athlete was presented with 7 million birr and a gold medal by President Sahlework Zewde, in recognition of his exceptional achievement.

The awards ceremony, held at the National Palace, was part of a larger program that included a motivational and dinner event. The ceremony was attended by President Sahlework Zewde and other senior government officials, who gathered to honor the Ethiopian delegation’s efforts at the Paris Olympics.