Discover the Journey of Yalemzerf Yehualaw

Image Credit: The Independent

Yalemzerf Yehualaw, the Ethiopian long-distance runner, is reportedly feeling in good shape ahead of her London Marathon defence this year. The 22-year-old athlete, who won the race in 2020 in a time of 2:19:29, will be looking to retain her title and continue her impressive form in what is considered one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

Yehualaw has had a strong start to 2023, winning the Dubai Marathon earlier this year in a personal best time of 2:18:54, which was also a course record. Her victory in Dubai made her the third-fastest woman in history over the marathon distance, behind only Paula Radcliffe and Brigid Kosgei.

Speaking ahead of the London Marathon, Yehualaw expressed her confidence and optimism, stating that she feels “in good shape” and ready to take on the competition. She also emphasized the importance of pacing herself correctly during the race, given the challenging nature of the London Marathon course.

Yehualaw’s success on the global stage has come relatively quickly, with the young athlete bursting onto the scene in 2019 with a win at the Valencia Half Marathon. Since then, she has continued to improve and impress, with her performances at the Dubai and London marathons cementing her status as one of the most exciting prospects in long-distance running.

Her success is also a source of pride for Ethiopia, a country with a long and storied history in distance running, having produced some of the greatest athletes of all time such as Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele.

As the London Marathon approaches, all eyes will be on Yehualaw as she looks to defend her title and continue her ascent in the world of long-distance running. If her recent performances are anything to go by, we can expect her to put on another impressive display of athleticism and determination, and cement her place as one of the world’s best marathon runners.

Re-reported from the story originally published in The Independent