Ethiopian Marathon Champion Yebrgual Melese Dies at 36 During Training

Yebrgual Melese, a celebrated Ethiopian long-distance runner and mother of two, has died at the age of 36 following a sudden medical emergency in Addis Ababa. The incident occurred while she was training for the upcoming Ottawa International Marathon in Canada. According to the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, Melese collapsed unexpectedly and was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead despite medical efforts. The specific cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed. Melese was a prominent figure in international marathon racing, having won major titles in Houston, Prague, and Shanghai. She achieved significant acclaim at the 2018 Dubai Marathon, where she recorded a personal best of 2:19:36, breaking the prestigious 2:20 barrier. After a hiatus from competition between 2020 and 2024, she successfully returned to the sport, placing eighth in the 2024 Berlin Marathon and finishing second in the 2025 Barcelona Marathon. Her sudden passing has drawn condolences from the athletic community. Melese is survived by her husband and two young children, leaving behind a legacy as one of the elite female distance runners of her generation.