Births on January 15

Tsegaye Kebede, Ethiopian runner

Tsegaye Kebede Wordofa (Amharic: ፀጋየ ከበደ ዎርዶፋ), born on January 15, 1987, is a highly distinguished Ethiopian long-distance runner. Renowned for his exceptional prowess in road running events, particularly marathons, Kebede has etched his name among the elite athletes in the sport's history.

Rapid Ascent to Prominence (2007-2008)

Kebede's international career took off with remarkable speed, showcasing his innate talent from the very beginning. His international debut at the Amsterdam Marathon in 2007 marked the start of a swift ascent in the world of professional distance running. Within an astonishingly short period, just his second year as a professional, Kebede achieved a series of landmark victories and a significant Olympic medal, firmly establishing himself on the global stage.

The year 2008 proved to be a pivotal season for Kebede. He secured impressive victories at two major international marathons: the Paris Marathon, a renowned event drawing thousands of participants through the historic streets of the French capital, and the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan. The Fukuoka Marathon holds particular prestige in the running world, often considered a highly competitive race for elite male marathoners due to its rich history and fast course. His crowning achievement of that year, however, was winning the bronze medal in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This Olympic podium finish was a monumental accomplishment, underscoring his rapid transition from promising newcomer to one of the world's top long-distance runners, especially given the fierce competition and the ultimate prestige associated with an Olympic medal in a globally celebrated event like the marathon.

A Landmark Year: Solidifying Elite Status in 2009

The 2009 season further cemented Tsegaye Kebede's position as one of Ethiopia's premier athletes and a formidable force in the marathon circuit. His consistent top-tier performances underscored his versatility and resilience.

• London Marathon Runner-Up: Kebede demonstrated his competitive edge by securing a commendable second-place finish at the highly prestigious London Marathon. This event is widely regarded as one of the world's most competitive and iconic marathons, attracting an elite field annually.
• World Championships Bronze Medal: Later that year, he earned another significant bronze medal in the marathon at his inaugural World Championships in Athletics. This global championship, organized by World Athletics (formerly IAAF), represents the pinnacle of competition for track and field, and road running athletes outside of the Olympic Games, showcasing his ability to perform under intense pressure on the grandest stages.
• Record-Breaking Fukuoka Retention: Kebede concluded his stellar 2009 season by successfully defending his Fukuoka Marathon title. His victory was particularly notable as he ran the fastest marathon race ever recorded on Japanese soil at that time, completing the course in an impressive 2:05:18. This performance not only highlighted his exceptional form but also set a new benchmark for marathon running in Japan, further solidifying his legacy.

Dominance in Major Marathons: London Victories

Tsegaye Kebede continued his remarkable career trajectory into the new decade, achieving what many consider the ultimate accolade in marathon running: victories in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.

• 2010 London Marathon Champion: His triumphant win at the 2010 London Marathon marked a significant milestone, as it was his first victory in an Abbott World Marathon Major event. The Abbott World Marathon Majors is a championship series comprising six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world – Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo. Winning one of these events is a testament to a runner's elite status and consistent performance at the highest level.
• 2013 London Marathon Champion: Demonstrating his enduring talent and mastery of the London course, Kebede replicated his success three years later, securing another victory at the 2013 London Marathon. Winning such a prestigious event not just once, but twice, firmly cements his status as one of the most successful and consistent marathon runners of his generation.

Tsegaye Kebede Wordofa's career is defined by a rapid rise, consistent elite-level performances, and a collection of major titles, including an Olympic medal and multiple World Marathon Major victories, cementing his place as a true legend in long-distance running.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tsegaye Kebede Wordofa

Who is Tsegaye Kebede Wordofa?

Tsegaye Kebede Wordofa is an internationally recognized Ethiopian long-distance runner, celebrated for his achievements primarily in marathon races and other road running events.

When did Tsegaye Kebede make his international debut?

He made his significant international debut at the Amsterdam Marathon in 2007, quickly rising to prominence thereafter.

What major achievements did Tsegaye Kebede have in 2008?

In 2008, he won both the Paris Marathon and the Fukuoka Marathon. His most notable achievement that year was earning the bronze medal in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Did Tsegaye Kebede set any records in Japan?

Yes, when he retained his Fukuoka Marathon title in 2009, he ran the race in 2:05:18, which was the fastest marathon ever recorded on Japanese soil at that time.

Which World Marathon Majors has Tsegaye Kebede won?

Tsegaye Kebede has won the London Marathon twice, first in 2010 and again in 2013. The London Marathon is one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors.