An Ethiopian long-distance runner who holds multiple world records, including the 10,000 meters, and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Almaz Ayana is a name synonymous with speed, endurance, and dominance in the world of long-distance running. She is the proud owner of a gold medal in the 10,000 meters and a bronze medal in the 5,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her one of the most decorated athletes in Ethiopian history.
Born on November 21, 1991, in Wenbera, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia, Almaz is the seventh youngest of nine siblings. She started running at her local school around the age of 13-14, and her talent was evident from the very beginning. Like other notable athletes such as Fatuma Roba and Derartu Tulu, Almaz is of Oromo descent, and she is fluent in both Oromo and Amharic. Her name, Almaz, means "diamond" in Amharic, fitting for a athlete who has shone so brightly on the international stage.
Almaz's rise to fame began in 2013 when she won a bronze medal in the 5,000 meters at the World Championships in Athletics held in Moscow, Russia, at the age of 21. This was followed by her victory at the 2014 African Championships in Marrakech, where she defeated favorite Genzebe Dibaba to take the title in a championship record time of 15:32.72. Her impressive performance continued at the Continental Cup held in Marrakech, where she won the 5,000 meters by over 24 seconds.
In 2015, Almaz became the World 5,000 meters champion in Beijing, where she ran a personal best of 14:14.32. Her crowning glory came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won the gold medal in the 10,000 meters in a world record time of 29:17.45, breaking a record that had stood for 23 years. She also won the bronze medal in the 5,000 meters, cementing her status as one of the greatest distance runners of all time.
In 2016, Almaz was voted the IAAF Female World Athlete of the Year, a testament to her incredible talent and achievements. She has also been recognized as one of the greatest Ethiopian athletes of all time, along with legends such as Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar.
Almaz is married to her childhood friend and longtime partner, Soressa Fida. She is a devout Christian and is known for her humility and dedication to her craft. Despite her international fame, Almaz remains deeply rooted in her Ethiopian heritage and is an inspiration to millions of young athletes around the world.
Almaz Ayana's impact on the world of athletics is undeniable. She has inspired a new generation of Ethiopian athletes and has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As she continues to compete at the highest level, her legacy is sure to endure for years to come.
40 Years Old
A dominant long-distance runner, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship titles, and holding multiple world records in the 5000m and 10,000m events.
42 Years Old
A dominant long-distance runner, winning numerous Olympic and World Championship titles, and setting multiple records in the 5000m and 10,000m events.
52 Years Old
A British long-distance runner who holds the women's marathon world record, dominating the sport with her impressive endurance and speed.
52 Years Old
A British long-distance runner who won numerous international medals, including a European Championship gold, and is a five-time Olympian.
