ADDIS ABABA — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahlework Zewude have publicly congratulated athlete Tamirat Tola for his gold medal win in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a significant achievement for Ethiopia in the sport.

According to Ethiopian News Agency,, Prime Minister Abiy praised Tamirat Tola as a heroic figure who “raised our flag once again” through his triumph in Paris. Similarly, President Sahlework Zewde expressed that Tola’s victory brought “happiness and pride” to the nation, emphasizing the special significance of today’s achievement.

Tamirat Tola’s victory is notably historic as he becomes the first Ethiopian to clinch the Olympic marathon gold since Gezahegne Abera in 2000. Completing the grueling Paris course in 2:06:26, Tola adds this gold medal to his impressive resume, which includes a bronze in the 10,000m at the 2016 Olympics and a title at the 2022 world championships. Tola now joins the ranks of legendary Ethiopian marathoners like Abebe Bikila and Mamo Wolde.