Dylan Bettencourt
Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase broke down in tears after her marathon triumph at the World Athletics Championship.
“And I wish for peace in my country, in all of Ethiopia,” she told BBC Sport Africa.
“Winning is a very impressive and amazing thing. Women can all be winners when they work hard for themselves and for their countries.”
She said she hoped her victory would bring an element of peace to conflict-torn Ethiopia.
The 27-year-old set a new World Championship record when she crossed the line in two hours, 18 minutes and 11 seconds, ahead of Kenya’s Judith Korir.
The northern Tigray region in Ethiopia has been in conflict with the government since
November 2020, with over half a million people so far losing their lives as a result of the war.
Gebreslase was made to work hard for the gold medal as Korir and third placed Lonah Salpeter both set personal best times.
“I planned to come out at 40 kilometres which I did and I won the gold,” Gebreslase said.
“Working hard is the key factor. I know the Kenyans are tough but I have last-minute high speed so I used that and won the championships.”
Other African gold medalists from Monday’s action include Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon winning the 1,500m event ahead of Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay.
Moroccan long-distance runner Soufianne El Bakkali emerged victorious in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase with the top five all being from Africa.
Kenya leaped into third spot in the medal standings following the action.
World Athletics Championship Medal Standings:
- United States – 6 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze medals.
- Ethiopia – 3 gold, 3 silver and 0 bronze medals.
- Kenya – 1 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Image source: @WorldAthletics
