The athletics world is mourning the sudden death of Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 36 after reportedly falling ill during a routine training session.

Melese, one of Ethiopia’s most accomplished marathon athletes of the past decade, had been preparing for the upcoming Ottawa Marathon scheduled for May 24. Reports indicate that she suffered a medical emergency during training and was rushed to hospital, where she later died despite efforts by medical personnel to save her life. Authorities and athletics officials have not yet released further details regarding the cause of her death.

In a statement, the Ethiopian Athletics Federation expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the athlete, describing her as a heroic figure who had proudly represented the country on the international stage. The federation also extended condolences to her family, friends, supporters, and the wider athletics community.

Melese built a respected career in long-distance running, earning recognition for her consistency and endurance in major road races around the world. She enjoyed notable marathon victories in Houston, Prague, and Shanghai, achievements that firmly established her among Ethiopia’s elite distance runners.

One of the defining moments of her career came in 2015 when she finished second at the Chicago Marathon, one of the sport’s prestigious World Marathon Majors. The same year proved particularly successful for Melese, as she also captured a bronze medal in the half marathon at the African Games in Brazzaville.

Beyond the marathon circuit, she excelled in half-marathon competitions across Europe, winning the Paris Half Marathon twice and also claiming victory in Lisbon. Her personal best marathon time of 2:19:33, recorded in Dubai, placed her among a select group of women who had broken the highly respected 2:20 barrier.

Her most recent appearance came in Beijing last year, where she was unable to complete the marathon. Despite recent challenges, she had continued training and remained active in elite competition ahead of her planned return in Ottawa.