Radar | May 26,2021
The love affair between the people of Ethiopia and Olympic games dates back to Abebe Bikila’s historic barefoot marathon win in Rome over half a century ago. Since then, generations of athletes have risen to the occasion, though recent performances have not always met public expectations.
At the Paris Olympics, the country won a single gold and three silver medals, a result that fell short of the country’s historical achievements. Tamrat Tolla's record-breaking win in the men's marathon brought joy, but in the women’s marathon, Tigist Assefa narrowly missed out on gold, finishing just three seconds behind Sifan Hassan, a naturalised Dutch athlete originally from Ethiopia.
Ethiopia's medal count has been on a downward trajectory in recent years, with fewer medals won in Rio and Tokyo than in the more successful Sydney, Beijing, and London Olympics. This decline has sparked debates among pundits, with explanations ranging from administrative issues and training regimens to internal conflicts. These discussions frequently intensify when results fall short of expectations, but all is celebration when success is achieved.
Ethiopia has long nurtured its athletes, even when resources were limited. Athletes like Abebe and Miruts Yifter competed with minimal support, receiving only modest state salaries and prize money. Today, prize money from prestigious events like the Diamond League has dramatically improved athletes' livelihoods, allowing them to hire professional trainers, doctors, and physiotherapists, enhancing their performance.
However, this shift towards professionalisation has also led to increased competition and individualism, with some arguing that the era of centralised training and teamwork has ended. Internal conflicts over athlete selection, leadership positions, and fund management have also negatively impacted performances. These disputes, usually well-documented and public, have been counterproductive and confused the public.
Perhaps the past victories made us set expectations high.
Abebe showed no signs of fatigue after completing the 42Km race with remarkable strength and resilience. While some competitors collapsed at the finish line, he continued doing warm-up exercises, a display that amazed many spectators. He made history by winning the first Olympic gold medal for Ethiopia and the continent, but he also set a new world record.
He paved the way for generations of runners by defending his title with another record-breaking performance at the Tokyo Olympics four years later. His legacy ignited a passion for athletics in the country. Ethiopian flags have been waved in honour at numerous games, with legends like Miruts Yifter, Derartu Tulu, Haile Gebresellassie, Tirunesh Dibaba, and Kenenisa Bekele continuing this proud tradition. Although many have achieved great success on the global stage, Abebe remains a unique figure due to the extraordinary nature of his achievements and his role as a pioneer.
Abebe holds a special place in the hearts of people globally as well. The late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe fondly recalled watching his triumph in Tokyo during his childhood. During a state visit to Ethiopia, Abe honoured the legacy on the 50th anniversary of his Tokyo win while Abebe’s son, presented him with a framed photo of his father in action. Similarly, Rome honoured Abebe by unveiling a plaque in his memory, an event attended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). His victory was particularly symbolic, as he ran past the Axum obelisk that had been taken to Rome, nearly two decades after the Italian colonial soldiers were ousted from Ethiopia.
Tragically, Abebe's athletic career was cut short by a car accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. However, he remained undeterred, competing in the Paralympics and demonstrating that true heroism is measured by resilience.
Fast forward to the current affairs, the public expectations are high. While silver and bronze are valuable, the national psyche is focused on being number one. It is important to remember that sports are competitions, and all participants compete to win. Good sportsmanship requires accepting losses gracefully and maintaining positive relationships with competitors. Being fiercely competitive is desirable, but this competitiveness should be confined to the event itself, followed by camaraderie and learning from the experience.
While it is natural to hope for great achievements, excessive pressure can negatively affect athletes' performance. Expecting gold every time can create undue stress, hindering their performance.
The fascination with the Olympics and other global events remains strong in Ethiopia, a nation that loves its athletes and their sport. The Paris Olympics exposed weaknesses that need addressing, but as the dust settles, the focus will shift to future events, like the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. A renewed emphasis on good sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork could help restore athletic success. Our athletes have repeatedly proven that with coordinated leadership and a team effort, good results are a natural outcome.
PUBLISHED ON
Aug 25,2024 [ VOL
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