Ethiopian Marathon Champion Yebrgual Melese Dies at 36 After Training Collapse

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Yebrgual Melese, a decorated Ethiopian distance runner and winner of several major international marathons, has died after falling ill during a training session, the country’s athletics federation announced Wednesday. She was 36.

The Ethiopian Athletics Federation said Melese experienced a sudden medical emergency on Tuesday while conducting a routine workout in the capital, Addis Ababa. Local media reports indicated that despite immediate efforts to assist her, she could not be revived.

Melese was a prominent figure on the global marathon circuit, having secured victories in high-profile races in Houston, Prague, and Shanghai. Her personal best of 2:19:36, set during a third-place finish at the 2018 Dubai Marathon, solidified her status as one of the elite female runners of her generation.

At the time of her death, Melese was in the final stages of preparation for the Ottawa Marathon, scheduled for May 24.

The athletics community has reacted with shock to the news. The federation described her as a dedicated athlete and an inspiration to younger runners in a nation that prides itself on its distance-running heritage.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. Melese is survived by her family and teammates in Addis Ababa.

GAROWE ONLINE