The athletics world is mourning the sudden loss of one of Ethiopia’s most celebrated long-distance runners. Yebrgual Melese, a decorated marathon champion, has died at the age of 36 following a medical emergency that occurred during a training run on Tuesday. The Ethiopian Athletics Federation confirmed the tragic news, describing it as a devastating blow to the sport.
According to local media reports out of Addis Ababa, Melese fell seriously ill while going through what was supposed to be a routine training session. She was transported to hospital as quickly as possible, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, she could not be saved. The exact cause of her death has not yet been made public by either the federation or her family.
Melese had been building towards a competitive return at a marathon in Ottawa scheduled for 24 May, making her death all the more shocking. She was clearly still active in the sport and committed to competing at the highest level. The running community across the African continent and beyond has been left reeling by the news.
Ethiopian marathon runner Yebrgual Melese leaves behind a legacy that defined long-distance running
Over the course of her career, Melese earned victories at prestigious races in Houston, Prague, and Shanghai, cementing her reputation as a formidable force on the global marathon circuit. She was not simply a regional talent — she competed consistently among the world’s elite and delivered results when it mattered most.
Her finest year arguably came in 2015, when she claimed wins in both Houston and Prague. That same year, she crossed the line in second place at the Chicago Marathon, one of the prestigious World Marathon Majors — the most competitive series in the sport. It was a performance that signalled she was operating at the very top of her game.
Her most recent race appearance came at a marathon in Beijing in May 2024, which she did not complete. But those close to the sport understood that DNFs are part of every elite athlete’s journey, and there was little indication that anything was seriously wrong with her health at the time.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation released an official statement expressing grief and disbelief at her passing. “The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and offers condolences to her family, friends and fans,” the governing body said. The word “heroic” in that tribute is telling — this was a woman who gave everything to her country and to the sport.
Ethiopia has long been a global powerhouse in long-distance running, producing legends who have carried the country’s flag on the world stage. Melese was very much part of that proud tradition, inspiring a generation of young runners back home and drawing admiration from athletics fans across South Africa and the rest of the continent as well.
As we follow this story, SA Report extends our sincere condolences to Melese’s family, teammates, and the broader Ethiopian athletics community. The loss of an athlete in their prime — mid-preparation for their next race — is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, no matter how fit or determined a person may be.
Yebrgual Melese may no longer be with us, but her records, her victories, and the sheer courage she brought to every starting line will continue to speak for themselves. She was 36 years old, still running, still competing — and that is exactly how the world should remember her.