Feyisa Lilesa

Feyisa Lilesa, born on February 1, 1990, is an accomplished Ethiopian long-distance runner known for his remarkable achievements in marathon racing. He first gained international attention in 2009 when he won the Dublin Marathon in his debut race, showcasing his potential as a formidable competitor in the athletics arena.

In 2010, Lilesa made history by becoming the youngest man to complete a marathon in under two hours and six minutes, clocking in at two hours, five minutes, and twenty-three seconds at the Rotterdam Marathon. His personal best of two hours, four minutes, and fifty-two seconds was set during the 2012 Chicago Marathon, where he finished in second place.

His accolades include a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships marathon and a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Notably, during the Olympic marathon, Lilesa raised his arms in solidarity with protestors advocating for the rights of the Oromo people in Ethiopia, a gesture that resonated worldwide.

Following the Rio Olympics, Lilesa expressed concerns for his safety if he returned to Ethiopia, leading to a two-year exile. However, after the political changes in Ethiopia and the encouragement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, he returned home in October 2018, marking a significant moment in his life and career.