ADDIS ABABA—A delegation of Ethiopia’s national Olympic team has arrived in Paris, France, ahead of the 33rd Edition of the Summer Olympic Games, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The team, led by Ethiopian Athletics Federation President Derartu Tulu, was warmly welcomed by Ethiopian Diaspora and staff from the Ethiopian Embassy at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia’s Olympic team will compete in athletics, swimming, and boxing, with a total of 39 athletes representing the country. Among the athletes are world-record holders and reigning champions, including legendary long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele, women’s marathon record holder Tigist Assefa, and 3000M men’s steeplechase record holder Lamecha Girma.

Selemon Barega, the Tokyo Olympic 10,000m gold medalist, will defend his title, while Gudaf Tsegay is set to compete in the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m events. Barega will be joined in the 10,000m by compatriots Berihu Aregawi and Yomif Kejelcha, who is also named for the 5000m event.

Lamecha Girma will aim for his first global gold in the 3000m steeplechase after securing silver in Tokyo and at the past three World Championships. Gudaf Tsegay, the Olympic 5000m bronze medalist and world champion in the 5000m and 10,000m, will compete alongside world 1500m silver medalist Diribe Welteji.

The marathon team includes world record-holder Tigist Assefa, Amane Beriso, and Megertu Alemu in the women’s event, and Kenenisa Bekele, Sisay Lemma, and Deresa Geleta in the men’s event.

Ethiopia will also compete in the Olympic boxing tournament after a 20-year absence. Yadesa Lemma will represent the country in boxing, having been granted the African quota by the International Olympic Committee Task Force following Nigeria’s withdrawal.

The 33rd Olympic Games will feature 10,714 athletes from 206 countries, including independent athletes and the Olympic Refugee Team, competing in 32 sports.