Ethiopian athletes return to heroes' welcome

Victorious Ethiopian athletes have received a heroes' welcome in the capital, Addis Ababa, after their performance at the recent World Athletics Championship, where the country came second on the medals table.

Ethiopia finished behind hosts the US, bagging a total of 10 medals - including four golds, a first for the country in the history of the championships.

On Thursday morning, the team was received in Addis Ababa by thousands of cheering supporters.

The team also visited the presidential palace where they met President Sahle-Work Zewde and other notable athletes.

Head of Ethiopia’s athletics body Derartu Tulu has been praised for her leadership during the championship.

She said she was proud of the athletes' performance, but warned coaches to expect a stiffer challenge in the next competition.

Deratu also asked the federal authorities and officials in the northern Tigray region - which has witnessed conflict since late 2020 - to try and find a way for the athletes to meet their parents.

"Athletes from Tigray still did not get the opportunity to meet their families," she told attendees at the palace.

Three gold medallists, Letesenbet Gidey, Gotytom Gebreslase and Guday Tsegay, are from the Tigray region.

The region has effectively been cut off since the conflict began.

This article originally appeared in BBC News

Photo: Getty Images

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