1 March 1997. Long distance runner Miruts YIFTER relaxes at home in Ethiopia. Credit: Getty Images UK/Getty ImagesBorn: 15 May 1944
Birthplace: N/A (Ethiopia)
Nationality: Ethiopia
Sport: Athletics
ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Munich 1972
Moscow 1980
AWARDS
Olympic medals:
Gold: 2
Bronze: 1
Other results:
African Games
Gold: 1 (73)
Silver: 1 (73)
The Ageless Distance Star
Miruts Yifter's quest for an Olympic gold medal was a frustrating 8-year saga with a happy ending. In 1972 Yifter finished third at 10,000m, but didn't make it to the starting line of his 5,000m heat. The reason for his failure to appear remains a mystery with explanations ranging from the political to becoming lost in the hallways of the stadium. He was unable to participate at the 1976 Olympics because his nation boycotted. Four years later in Moscow, Yifter made up for his disappointments. In the final of the 10,000m he sprinted into the lead 300m from the finish and won by ten meters. Five days later, in the 5,000m final, Yifter was boxed in during the last lap. But with 300m to go, his Ethiopian teammate, Mohammed Kedir, stepped aside and Yifter again sprinted to victory. Part of the mystery surrounding Miruts Yifter was the question of his age, which was reported to be between 33 and 42. Yifter refused to give a definitive answer, telling reporters, "Men may steal my chickens; men may steal my sheep. But no man can steal my age."
