Ethiopia’s triumphant Olympic team returned home with seven medals on 30^th August to a warm welcome at Addis Ababa’s airport from government officials and cheering crowds.

The athletes, who won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals, were treated to the rapturous reception by the thousands of people who braved heavy rains to welcome home their Ethiopian heroes. Although the actual number of medals won is very slightly down on the haul from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Ethiopia still maintained its place 1st position in the African medals chart and 28th position in the overall global table.

Kenenisa Bekele won Ethiopia’s first medal of the 28th Olympic games when he seized a victorious gold medal in the Men’s 10,000 metres, while fellow Ethiopian Sileshi Sihine took the silver. Kenenisa’s attempt to win an Olympic long-distance double was sadly unsuccessful, instead finishing with the silver medal in the Men’s 5000m.

Meseret Defar continued Ethiopia’s gold success by winning the Women’s 5000 metres final while compatriot Tirunesh Dibaba finished third. Sadly, Ejegayehou Dibaba just missed out on victory in the Women’s 10,000m finishing in second place, followed by Derartu Tulu in third.

ENDS