Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese has died on the age of 36 after falling unwell throughout a routine coaching session on Tuesday, the nation’s athletics federation has introduced.
Melese, the winner of marathons in Houston, Prague and Shanghai, had been making ready for a race in Ottawa on 24 Might.
In response to native media stories, she skilled a sudden medical emergency within the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.
She was rushed to hospital however died regardless of the efforts of medical employees.
No additional particulars have been made public.
“The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and gives condolences to her household, mates and followers,” the governing physique mentioned in an announcement.
Melese’s most up-to-date aggressive outing got here in a marathon in Beijing, which she failed to complete, in Might final yr.
Her finest lead to one of many seven World Marathon Majors got here in 2015 – the identical yr as her victories in Houston and Prague – when she completed second within the Chicago Marathon.