Arsi, a region famous for birthing legends like Haile Gebrselassie, continues to shine in athletics.
Arsi, a mountainous region in Oromia, is known for its high altitude and for producing Ethiopia’s elite runners. The Tirunesh Dibaba Athletics Training Center, funded in part by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, is continuing this legacy.
At the center, youth begin training as early as 5 a.m., guided by certified coaches. Nutrition and health monitoring are also provided. The center partners with schools to ensure athletes stay on top of their studies. Success stories abound—young athletes qualify for national championships and compete abroad through scholarships.
Ephrata Ansa, 16, is one of several promising runners. Inspired by Olympic gold medalist Tirunesh Dibaba, she hopes to compete internationally by 2028
“We train at 5 a.m., then attend classes. Discipline matters,” says 16-year-old Ephrata Ansa, who dreams of Paris 2028.
Athletics is not just tradition in Ethiopia—it’s a launchpad to global opportunity.