Chasing Olympic Gold: The Journey of Gotytom Gebreslase, Ethiopia’s Marathon Prodigy

From Ethiopia, Gotytom Gebreslase has achieved numerous global accolades in her career as a marathon runner. However, the 29-year-old athlete still has one major goal that she hopes to accomplish: winning gold at the Paris Olympics. In an exclusive interview with World Athletics Inside Track, Gebreslase shares insights into her training routine, opens up about her life at home, and sheds light on the rich culture of Ethiopian running.

Reflecting on the deep connection between Ethiopia and the sport of running, Gebreslase draws inspiration from legendary athletes such as Abebe Bikila, who famously won a marathon barefoot to represent his country. She takes pride in her identity as a runner and is grateful for the happiness that running has brought into her life.

Having secured a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest following her victory in Oregon in 2022, Gebreslase is now setting her sights on Olympic glory. For Gebreslase, competing at the Olympics is the pinnacle of achievement for any athlete. She recalls the success of athletes like Tirunesh Dibaba, who has earned multiple Olympic medals, and aspires to follow in their footsteps.

While she is proud of 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, striving to emulate their success and push 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.

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