By Stephen Simon
Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese has died at the age of 36 after falling ill during a routine training session in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, according to the country’s athletics federation.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation said the athlete suffered a sudden medical emergency while training in the capital and was rushed to hospital, where she was later pronounced dead despite efforts by medical staff.
Local reports indicated that Melese collapsed unexpectedly during preparation for an upcoming race scheduled for Ottawa on May 24, though the exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a statement, the federation described her passing as a “deep sorrow,” calling her a “heroic athlete” and extending condolences to her family, friends, and supporters.
Melese was one of Ethiopia’s prominent marathon runners on the international circuit, with victories in major races including Houston, Prague, and Shanghai marathons during her career.
She achieved one of her most notable performances in 2015 when she finished second at the Chicago Marathon, part of the World Marathon Majors series, the same year she won both the Houston and Prague races.
Her most recent competitive appearancev came in Beijing last year, where she did not complete the marathon.
Officials said no further details surrounding the circumstances of her death have been made public as the athletics community continues to mourn her sudden passing.
