For long, Ethiopian athletes are known more for long distance running, largely 5,000m, 10,000m and marathon. Meanwhile, relatively short-distance running disciplines, including the 800m, 1,500m and 3,000m, were largely ignored despite having an immense potential. However, at the Doha World Athletics Championship, Ethiopia came close to rewrite its history after its elite athlete, Lemecha Girma, edged close to win a gold medal in the 3,000m men steeplechase championship where he won silver by microseconds. EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wendifraw, who was at the championship held at Doha, Qatar, reports.

Doha, the capital of city of Qatar, will host the World Athletics Championships as of September, 2019. The current two-year cycle began in 1991 but was originally held every four years, first in 1983. Since then, Ethiopian runners, along with their Kenyan counterparts, dominated long distance running in every championship. In the championship, where 3,500 athletes are expected to participate, the Ethiopian Football Federation, which fears that the hot weather in Doha would affect the country’s performance, is yet to pick the teams that are going to represent Ethiopia in each competition, although some have been shortlisted. EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wendifraw writes.

The tendency of physical inactivity leading to obesity or overweight is on the rise in Ethiopia. The problem is quite severe in urban areas, especially in Addis Ababa. While regular exercise means that adults have a lower likelihood of dying from; coronary heart diseases, high blood pressure, and stroke, it has long been a neglected healthcare routine amongst the society. Citizens of late seem to understand its importance. An encouraging factor that has led to the opening of many GYMs. The government introduced different initiatives, such as the car-free days and mass sports days, in a bid to encourage its citizens to become more active. EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wendifraw reports.

The legendary Coach

Born in Arsi, State of Oromia, the legendary coach Haji Adilo discovered his running ability at grade nine. Soon enough, he was able to compete in regional and national championships in the late 1980s. But, he had to wait for a decade to race in international competitions. Though it was short lived, the experience helped him to show his skills to the world. However, in 2000, Haji was forced to resign from racing because of health complications. Fast forward 19 years, he has become one of the few successful long distance running coaches chosen by many elite athletes. EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wendifraw sat down with him to learn what makes the legendary coach tick.

Addis Ababa, home to over four million people, used to be a base for several football clubs. Its main stadium hosts many games, allowing sport fans to spend time watching local football. But in recent years, the number of Addis-based football clubs that play in the Ethiopian Premier League, dwindled to three from more than 10 five years ago. EBR’s adjunct writer Abiy Wendifraw looks into the matter to understand the reason behind the decline, and its consequences.

In Ethiopia, there are many English Premier League enthusiasts. Manchester United and Arsenal in numbers of fans in the country. However, football clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City are now gaining momentum and attracting a growing number of supporters in Ethiopia. In fact, supporting football clubs in the English Premier League, is now advancing to new heights after Manchester City’s supporters in Addis Ababa took the initiative to create a connection with the club in England. Also known as Man City Addis, the fan club now has 240 registered Manchester City fans that pay a 10 euro membership fee each year. EBR Adjunct Writer Abiy Wendifraw looked into the activities of the fan club.

Recently, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced a plan to revamp the Diamond League by reducing the series and canceling the 5000 meter race, starting in 2020, which leaves the 3,000 meter as the longest race on the tournament. After the announcement, Eastern Africa countries, including Ethiopia, which have historically performed very well in long distance races pushed back against the IAAF’s decision, saying it will hurt not only athletes but athletics. EBR’s adjunct writer Abiy Wendiferaw, who spoke to athletes and sport administrators reports on the justification behind the decision and the reaction from Eastern Africa countries.

Even though women’s football has become more and more respected around the world, female football players face challenges to which many people turn a blind eye. Besides the normally publicized troubles of lower wages, fewer sponsors and less support, women in Ethiopia who play football have to contend with another challenge: questions from the greater society about their gender. To be taken seriously, many are finding that they have to suppress their femininity, something which can leave lasting scars, as EBR Adjuct Writer Abiy Wendifraw found out.

Senay Football Club

Close to three percent of the total population in Ethiopia is believed to live with disabilities. Out of the total disabled people living in the country, about 14.4Pct (1.5 million) have a hearing disability. Despite its vast size, the deaf community in Ethiopia is deprived of many basic rights and many are unable to enjoy their lives. However, Senay Deaf Football Club, which was established by Endaleyesus Abate, the former manager of Addis Ababa City Football Club and few strong individuals hearing disability is trying to change this. Established in May 2017, Senay has carried out several promising activities in terms of legalizing the football club, creating a platform for disabled people and building international relationships with parallel clubs in other countries. EBR Adjunct Writer Abiy Wendifraw who visited the team in the training session reflects on their accomplishments and future plans.

The Celebrated Marathon Runner

Born in 1965, Belayneh Densamo is one of Ethiopia‘s legendary
marathon runners. Although he won many tournaments since his first international marathon in Japan in 1986, none of them compare to Belayneh’s victory in Rotterdam in 1988, where he broke the world record with a finishing time of 2:06.50. Belayneh held this world record for 10 years, the third longest span without the record being broken since the event was organized at the 1896 Olympics. EBR Adjunct Writer Abiy Wondifraw spoke with him about his victory in Rotterdam in 1988 and his disappointment about not running in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.