Ethiopia at the Olympics

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Ethiopia at the Olympics

Ethiopia first competed at the Summer Games in 1956 in Melbourne. Since then, it has become famous for track and field, especially middle- and long-distance running. Ethiopian runners have often won medals in events from 800 meters to the marathon.

Ethiopia has taken part in most Summer Olympics since 1956, missing only 1976, 1984 and 1988 because of political boycotts. The 1976 boycott involved many countries protesting New Zealand’s rugby tour of South Africa. In 1984, Ethiopia joined the Soviet-led boycott for political reasons, and Ethiopian officials also spoke out about apartheid.

The Ethiopian Olympic Committee, founded in 1948 and recognized by the IOC in 1954, has helped the country win 62 medals at the Summer Games, all in athletics. The medals include 24 gold, 16 silver and 22 bronze. Ethiopia ranks 44nd on the all-time Olympic medals list.

Ethiopia has also competed in the Winter Olympics, with appearances in 2006 and 2010.