Biography:
Erba Tiki Gelana, born on October 22, 1987, is an Ethiopian professional long-distance runner who is known for her exceptional performances in marathon races. Hailing from Jijiga, a town renowned for producing world-class runners, Gelana has left an indelible mark on the sport with her remarkable achievements and impressive records.
Gelana’s journey in running began with her participation in road races in Ethiopia. In 2004, she showcased her talent by securing a commendable fourth-place finish at the Great Ethiopian Run. Determined to test her skills on the international stage, Gelana traveled to Catalonia, Spain in 2006. She made her debut over the half marathon distance and went on to claim victory in races held in Mataró and Terrassa. Her outstanding performance culminated in a triumph at the San Silvestre Barcelonesa 10K race at the end of the year.
Continuing to expand her horizons, Gelana ventured to Japan in 2007 and emerged victorious in the 10K category at the Sanyo Road Race. Her remarkable time of 31:54 minutes cemented her position as one of the top Ethiopian athletes that year. Gelana’s pursuit of excellence led her to win the Women First 5K in Addis Ababa in March 2008. In May of the same year, she put forth an impressive display at the World 10K Bangalore, finishing fourth in a highly competitive field.
Gelana’s foray into the European track and field circuit in the summer of 2008 further established her as a force to be reckoned with. She achieved a 5000 meters personal best of 15:17.74 minutes at the Internationales Stadionfest and an exceptional 10,000 meters performance of 31:27.80 minutes at the Ostrava Golden Spike. Later that year, Gelana demonstrated her skill in long-distance running by securing sixth place at the Delhi Half Marathon with a time of 1:10:22 hours.
In 2009, Gelana faced some setbacks but persevered in her pursuit of success. Despite finishing in 16th place at the RAK Half Marathon, she secured a commendable second place position at the Virginia Beach Half Marathon in her American debut, coming in closely behind Abebu Gelan. Gelana’s eagerly anticipated debut in the marathon took place at the Dublin Marathon in October, where she exhibited her mettle by clinching a respectable third place finish.
The year 2010 marked a turning point in Gelana’s career as she showcased her endurance and determination in notable marathons. Despite finishing fourth at both the Los Angeles Marathon and the Dublin Marathon, she shattered her personal best, completing the races in a remarkable time of 2:29:53 hours.
However, it was in 2011 that Gelana truly made her mark. The Amsterdam Marathon served as a breakthrough moment for her, as she triumphed in a sensational time of 2:22:08 hours. This victory was particularly significant as it shattered a nine-year-old course record set by Gete Wami. Gelana’s performance not only demonstrated her exceptional abilities but also positioned her as a formidable contender in the world of long-distance running.
In 2012, Gelana continued her winning streak and broke the Ethiopian national record for the marathon at the Rotterdam Marathon. She delivered an extraordinary solo run, crossing the finish line in a remarkable time of 2:18:58 hours, nearly five minutes ahead of her nearest competitor, Valeria Straneo. Gelana’s exceptional feat not only won her the race but also solidified her position as one of the world’s elite long-distance runners.
Gelana’s crowning achievement came at the prestigious 2012 London Olympics, where she won the gold medal in the women’s marathon. In an unforgettable display of strength and endurance, Gelana set a new Olympic record with a remarkable time of 2:23:07. Her victory not only brought glory to her nation but also served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world.
Throughout her career, Gelana has faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but her resilience and unwavering dedication have propelled her to the forefront of women’s long-distance running. Her remarkable performances have left an indelible impact on the sport, cementing her legacy as one of Ethiopia’s greatest athletes and serving as a source of inspiration for future generations.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, London Olympics – 2012