Tirunesh Dibaba

About

Tirunesh Dibaba is a renowned Ethiopian distance runner, born on June 1, 1985, near Bekoji, Ethiopia. She comes from a family of athletes, including her cousin Derartu Tulu and sisters Ejegayehu and Genzebe, all of whom have achieved success in track and field. Tirunesh began her international career at 15, competing in the 2001 World Cross-Country Championships. Her breakthrough came at the 2003 World Championships, where she became the youngest female world champion at 18. Tirunesh's achievements include three Olympic gold medals and five World Championship titles. She is known for her historic double win in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After a successful track career, she transitioned to marathons, winning the 2017 Chicago Marathon. Tirunesh is admired for her enduring career and her role as a trailblazer in women's distance running. She has been nicknamed the "Baby-Faced Destroyer" for her youthful appearance and formidable racing style. Her dedication to running has inspired many and cemented her legacy in Ethiopian athletics.