Miruts Yifter

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Miruts Yifter, often called “Yifter the Shifter,” was an Ethiopian long-distance runner who won two gold medals at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. He was born in Zalambessa in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. His exact birth year is uncertain, with May 15, 1944 as a common date.

Early life and career
- He worked in factories and as a carriage driver before joining the Ethiopian Air Force, which helped him reach the national team.
- In the 1972 Munich Olympics, he won bronze in the 10,000 meters and arrived too late to compete in the 5,000 meters final.
- At the 1973 All-Africa Games, he won gold in the 10,000 meters and silver in the 5,000 meters.
- In 1977 he set a world best in the half marathon (1:02:57) in Coamo, Puerto Rico.
- He won two gold medals at the 1979 African Championships (5,000 m and 10,000 m) and helped Ethiopia win team gold at the World Cross Country Championships in 1982 and 1983.

1980 Moscow Olympics
- Yifter won both the 10,000 meters and the 5,000 meters.
- In the 10,000 m final, he took the lead with 300 meters to go and won by about 10 meters.
- In the 5,000 m final, his teammate Mohamed Kedir stepped aside, and Yifter sprinted to victory.
- His dramatic finishing kick earned him the nickname “Yifter the Shifter.”

Later life and death
- He lived in Toronto, Canada, from 2000 until his death on 22 December 2016 at age 72 due to respiratory problems.
- He is buried in Addis Ababa at Holy Trinity Cathedral cemetery.