Top Ethiopian athletes vying for the 2023 Diamond League prize

On Sep 13, 2023 398

Addis Ababa, September 13, 2023 (FBC) – The 2023 world athletics women’s 10,000m champion Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia and her compatriots are leading the list for the 2023 Wanda Diamond League ultimate prize when top athletes across the world go toe-to-toe this weekend in Eugene, the U.S.

The greatest athletes in track and field from Ethiopia and across the world will touch down in Eugene this week ahead of the Wanda Diamond League Final at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.

After five months of world-class action across four continents, it all comes down to the season finale at Hayward Field, where all 32 of the 2023 Wanda Diamond League champions will be crowned over the course of a two-day bumper programme.

For some, such as Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia, it is the chance to crown an already historic season with one more global title. Her men compatriots, such as Solomon Barega, Berihu Aregawi, Yomif Kejelcha and Hagos Gebrehiwot, are also out to bounce back from disappointment at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

The majority of ahletes qualify for the final by earning points at the 13 series meetings throughout the season, while some can enter on a national or global wild card.

List of entries of Ethiopians in the women’s 5000m race include Gudaf Tsegay, Ejigayehu Taye, Birke Hayelom, Lemlem Hailu, Freweyni Hailu, and Medina Eisa. The 5000m women’s meeting will be held on Sunday 17 September.

Similarly, Freweyni Hailu and Birke Hayelom will be accompanied by fellow Ethiopians Diribe Welteji, Hirut Meshesha, and Worknesh Mesele in the women’s 1500m race on Saturday 16 September. On the other hand, Sembo Alemayehu and Zerfe Wondmagegn are set to line-up in the women’s 3000m steeplechase meeting on Saturday.

In men’s 3000m race, 10,000m world athletics bronze medalist and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Solomon Barega will be joined by compatriots Getnet Wale, Yomif Kejelcha, Hagos Gebrehiwot, Tilahun Haile Bekele, and Berihu Aregawi on Sunday.

Alongside his compatriots Abrham Sime and Samuel Frew, Getnet Wale is also set to line-up in the 3000m men’s steeplechase race on Saturday.

Some athletes will be hoping to defend their Diamond League titles, and some others are aiming for a first ever Diamond Trophy.