Ethiopia finishes 2nd at world indoor championships in Portland, Oregon

Addis Ababa, March 21, 2016 (FBC) – Ethiopia has dominated the long races to finish second at the world indoor championships that ended on Sunday in Portland, Oregon, the United States.

Led by world record holder Genzebe Dibaba, the African nation swept the top two spots in the women’s 3,000 metres and claimed gold in the men’s 3,000m on Sunday.

The strong showing came a day after Ethiopian-born athletes took the first four places in the women’s 1,500m.

“I think it is the altitude and hard training,” Genzebe told Reuters when asked why Ethiopian men and women are so impressive in the distance events.

Yomif Kejelcha gave Ethiopia their other gold of the day, defeating American Ryan Hill and Kenyan Augustine Choge in the men’s 3,000m.

On Saturday, Dutch runner Sifan Hassan, who was born in Ethiopia, led former countrywomen Dawit Seyaum, Gudaf Tsegay and Axumawit Embaye in the women’s 1,500m.

The United States finished first.