While Ethiopia is world-renowned for long-distance running, its youth sports programs are quietly cultivating champions across diverse disciplines.
The Ethiopian Youth Sports Academy (EYSA), located in Addis Ababa, is the central hub for talent development in track and field, taekwondo, volleyball, and swimming. Youth athletes aged 12–18 are selected based on aptitude and commitment. The academy provides meals, uniforms, and coaching by professionals—often former Olympians.
Training runs alongside academic programs, ensuring students don’t fall behind in their studies. For some, EYSA is a springboard to professional sports or coaching. For others, it’s a path to scholarships or leadership roles in their communities.
The academy is part of Ethiopia’s broader efforts to diversify sports culture beyond distance running and reach international competitiveness in team and individual sports alike.
Facilities like this prove that with access and mentorship, talent in Ethiopia can flourish beyond running trails.The academy has already produced several Olympic hopefuls, many from underprivileged backgrounds.