The Ethiopian Athletics Federation’s (EAF) annual short, middle distance and field events Championships commenced in the Ethiopian Sports Academy on December 22, 2021 and will be concluded on December 26, 2021.
Athletes from recognized clubs, regions and city administrations are participating in the five-day championships. The EAF said it aims to identify competitive athletes who will compete in international races and provide an opportunity for new young athletes.
Various regional states, one city administration, 22 clubs, and institutions are participating in the competition. Gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as cash prizes, will be awarded to athletes that manage a podium finish in each event.
The EAF announced that it has allocated 522,600 birr in prize money for the championships.
Ethiopian athletics, which is known for its long-distance running, has not been able to replicate its success in short distance running. However, over the past few years, short and middle-distance athletes have been registering promising results. Lamecha Girma, who won the silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the Tokyo Olympics, is one good example.
Ethiopia has competed in the 200, 400, 800, and 1,500 meters since the Mexico Olympics. Nigussee Gachamo, Tegene Bezabh, Haile Gebre Selassie, Aman Wote and Mohammed Aman are some to mention a few, in addition to women athletes such as Fetya Hassan, Atkilti Woubshet, Tigest Tamagne, Genzebe Dibaba, and Habtam Alemu.
