Ethiopian marathon runner, Yebrgual Melese, has d!ed at the age of 36 after falling ill during training.
Melese was preparing for a race in Ottawa on May 24 when she reportedly suffered a sudden medical emergency in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city. She was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday, May 12, but doctors were unable to save her, according to local media reports.
“The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and offers condolences to her family, friends, and fans,” the federation said in a statement.
Melese had previously won the Houston, Shanghai, and Prague Marathons and was considered one of the favourites for the upcoming Ottawa race later this month.
Her personal best time was 2:19:33, recorded in Dubai in 2018, placing her 13th on the all-time list for women’s marathon performances.
She also finished second at the Boston Marathon in 2015, one of the world’s most prestigious marathon races.
