Ethiopia’s youth athletes have finished fourth on the medal table after taking part in the fourth African U18 Championships and the 15th African U20 Athletics Championships hosted in Zambia, collecting a total of 23 medals. South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya finished first, second, and third, respectively.
From April 29 to May 3, 2023, numerous young African athletes competed in a variety of sports, exhibiting their abilities.
Although previous results in competitions by elite athletes fell far short of expectations, this year’s junior competition gave Ethiopian athletics a new lease on life. The national team obtained gold, silver, and bronze medals in a variety of distance competitions, though it was many athletes first continental competition.
Asmarech Anlay won gold on the first day of the women’s 3,000-meter race in Ndola, Zambia, followed by Yenewa Mebert in second place and Ayenaddis Mebratu in third place.
On the second day of the competition conducted for U-20s on April 20, nine athletes competed in four 1,500-meter races. Webrest Ashalew finished in first place, while Samrawit Mulugeta and Mitin Ewunete won silver and bronze, respectively.
Amalnat Wale and Frehiwot Gesese took the under-20 women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase gold and silver, respectively.
Meanwhile, Sewmehon Anteneh triumphed in the men’s U-18 3,000-meter race, taking home the gold medal. Mengistu Amare placed fifth and was awarded a diploma.
Misganaw Wakuma won the men’s U-20 10,000-meter race, crossing the finish line first.
At the conclusion of the Ndola U-20 championship, Ethiopian athletes dominated the podium, placing first through third. Wuburst Aschal secured the gold medal, Ayenadis Mebrate the silver, and Asmarech Anley the bronze.
30 athletes competed for Ethiopia in the championships, with the team earning six gold, 11 silver, and six bronze medals.
