Embracing Ethiopian Heritage: A Champion’s Journey to Olympic Glory

In an exclusive interview with World Athletics Inside Track, Gotytom Gebreslase, the 2022 world marathon champion from Ethiopia, shares her insights into her training routine, opens up about her life at home, and sheds light on the rich culture of Ethiopian running.

Gebreslase is proud of her identity as a runner and takes inspiration from legendary athletes such as Abebe Bikila, who famously won a marathon barefoot to represent his country. She believes that competing at the Olympics is the pinnacle of achievement for any athlete and recalls the success of athletes like Tirunesh Dibaba, who has earned multiple Olympic medals. While she is grateful for her status as a world champion, Gebreslase remains determined to fulfill her dream of becoming an Olympic medallist through hard work and dedication.

In Ethiopian running culture, the tradition of passing down the sport from one generation to the next is deeply ingrained. Athletes look up to their peers and mentors for inspiration and strive to emulate their success while pushing themselves to new heights. Gebreslase emphasizes the importance of training alongside strong teammates as it encourages personal growth and fosters a sense of camaraderie within the running community.

The bond between Ethiopia and running is unbreakable for Gebreslase. As she continues her pursuit of excellence on the global stage, she carries with her the pride and heritage of her country while representing the enduring legacy of Ethiopian athletes in long-distance running.