The Dibaba Sisters

For Ethiopians, athletic and Olympic runs bring dear memories of sitting inches away from the TV, watching athletes of different races zoom around the track, searching for that green, yellow, and red in the sea of runners. The commentator’s tone rises as the clock winds down. He matches the intensity, the collective gasps and cheers as athletes from Ethiopia, in the very last few minutes, inevitably overtake whoever thought they’d be first in the race. The thunderous applause, whistling, singing, and celebratory tears as the commentator announces the win, “… What a nail-biting finish by the narrowest of narrowest margins! My goodness me, it was close, but she did it!”  

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The Dibaba sisters, Genzebe, Tirunesh, Anna, and Ejegayehu, are Ethiopian distance runners who have taken the world by storm with their incredible talent and inspiring story. These sisters are not only Olympic medalists and world champions in their respective events but also hold concurrent world records, making them the only siblings in recorded history to do so. The Dibaba family is no stranger to running as all seven siblings, including the sisters, are runners. Unsurprisingly, Ethiopia is a powerhouse for turning out elite runners, and the Dibabas are no exception. Their mother, Gutu, credits their success to a loving environment as well as a steady supply of milk from the family cows. 

Despite the challenges of growing up in poverty, the sisters never lost their passion for running and have become some of the most dominant athletes in their sport. But their impact goes beyond the world of sports. The Dibabas, like many in their field, have invested their fortunes back into their city, making them burgeoning real estate tycoons. They understand the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and have used their success to support local schools. 

The legacy of the Dibaba sisters will undoubtedly inspire generations of young athletes to come. Their success on the track is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and deep love for their craft. Their story is a reminder that no matter where you come from, with determination and dedication, anything is possible. The Dibabas have not only made a mark in the history of sports, but also in their community and beyond, leaving a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.