- Ashebir Woldegiorgis has hired his daughter, Nazrawi Ashebir, as a personal assistant for the Paris events.
Tamirat Tola, who won the men’s marathon at the Paris Olympics with a record time of 2 hours and 6 minutes, was initially a reserve. He was called up to the Ethiopian team only after Boston Marathon winner Sisay Lemma withdrew due to poor condition.
The Ethiopian Olympic Committee has faced intense scrutiny, with critics questioning its handling of athlete preparation, selection, and overall management. Concerns have been raised about the committee’s effectiveness in supporting athletes, particularly in light of the disappointing results in several track and field events at the Paris Olympics.
This has shaped up to be one of Ethiopia’s worst Olympic performances. Known for producing champion runners like Haile Gebrselassie, Derartu Tulu, and Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopia has secured only three medals in track and field events at the Paris Olympics as of August 10. Past Olympics saw Ethiopia celebrating with medal parties, but this time, there is little to celebrate. The question now is whether this decline is a temporary setback or a sign of a long-term slump. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Olympic Committee’s role is under intense scrutiny.
The committee has been criticized for its apparent insensitivity toward athletes. Despite a large delegation, including family members of officials, traveling to Paris, it seems that the officials were more focused on flying business class, staying at five-star hotels, and enjoying gourmet food than on addressing the needs of the athletes.
The case of 1500m World Indoor champion Freweyni Hailu highlights these issues. Freweyni, who traveled to Paris with Ethiopia’s team, was not informed about which race she would compete in. When the 5000m did not materialize, she faced a problematic situation just a day before the games. Her manager received a call from Ashebir Woldegiorgis asking if she was ready to compete the next day, revealing a lack of awareness about deadlines. Despite Freweyni’s eagerness, the manager pointed out that it was too late to submit the entry list. Ashebir’s assurance that he would handle it proved futile, as the change could not be made in time.
Similarly, athlete Misgana Wakuma, who finished 6th in the men’s 20 km race walk with a new national record time of 1:19:31, complained about not receiving a bottle of water during the race. Despite the large delegation, he received no support at the venue and no one was assigned to manage the water station. Ashebir Woldegiorgis denied the accusation, stating that the athlete himself did not pick up the bottle assigned to him.
Yomif Kejelcha, who finished sixth in the men’s 10,000m with a time of 26:44.020, was originally set to compete in the 5,000m but was sent back to Ethiopia. Upon his return to Addis Ababa, Kejelcha expressed disappointment at not participating in the 5,000m, stating, “I asked to compete in the 5,000m to make up for the initial loss, but I was rejected.” He added, “When I expressed my wish to the Ethiopian Athletic Federation to compete, I was told it would only be possible if Ashebir approved it.” He did not. Yomif reported that athletes in the Olympic Village were unhappy with the management situation.
Additionally, Ashebir Woldegiorgis has faced accusations of nepotism, with claims that he hired his daughter, Nazrawi Ashebir, as a personal assistant for the Paris events. She traveled from America to join him and received her entry badge to fulfill various roles during the trip. In an interview with Reyot Media last evening, Ashebir defended his decision, stating that his daughter paid for her ticket and asserting his right to employ her as an assistant. Dawit Asfaw, Secretary General of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee, has also brought his daughter, Amirote Dawit Asfaw, to Paris, sparking concerns of nepotism and suggesting a paid vacation. He has not yet responded to the situation.
Gezahegne Abera, the marathon gold medalist from the Sydney Olympics and current First Vice President of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, has also expressed complaints against the committee and Ashebir Woldegiorgis. Gezahegne Abera told an interviewer: “Regarding the selection of athletes for the Olympics and the committee members, I had reservations and serious differences with the president. As a result, I was denied the place I deserved in Paris and was prevented from using the accreditation badge that had been issued to me, which prevented my entry into the stadium. Additionally, I had to arrange my own accommodation.” Ashebir denies the claim, stating that the hotel reserved for Gezahegne is still available. However, he did not address the issue regarding the accreditation badge.
For too long, the Ethipian sport federation is a sad jock ever since a Weyane official placed his repellently overweight son to the distress
and disenchantment of the whole world. Now worst to come, Doktor Asheibir Woldegeorgis (not releated to Major Dawit Woldegeorgis) whose name I surmised decorated like so many other officials by mail- order-diploma runs the organization as his personal fiefdom by hiring his pretty-looking daughter.Who in his right mind dispatch a self-bankrupt 41-year-old to ran a marathon when so many young with supple bodies could have achieved a splendid result. Nor is it necessary to give a postion to the fat cat Derartu Tulu who passed her selling-by date years ago. None of whom are of any benfite to the country at this point in time.
The management would be better off to put Major Haile Geberaselassie in charge rather than these nincompops without redeeming quality.
We will have people like Tamrat Tolla, and Biniam Girmai the Eritrean cyclist, who is a watershed figure to won the most coveted prize in the world.
Dr. Ashebir is educated in the former USSR, and he is a trained dentist. The main issue here is the mishandling of the Paris Olympics. It’s true our athletes didn’t deliver what we expected. Why wasn’t a national team head coach and assistant coachs like other countries? Who is the captain of the Ethiopian team? Heroes like Derartu Tulu should be celebrated, but, being head of the Athletics Federation requires the know how of management, at least BA in business administration, in addition sports ethics and more.
We need to start work soon to correct the mishaps to prepare for 2028 LA game. The private sector, individuals and other organizations can contribute to the effort by providing nutrition, mental and health care to our athletes. It’s doable. Paris Olympics is bygone now, let’s get ready for Los Angeles 2028.
Major Haile Geberaselassie from all appearances, seems to have a degree in commonsense and understanding from the University of life. What is even best that he is a man of probity with unimpeachable integrity. This isn’t to be heard but to been in Addis as he is a skillful manager.
As for the dentist Asheiber being a graduate of Patrice Lumbaba in the defunct USSR, is no news. One know enough to know one isn’t
Impressed. As a matter of fact, It is regarded of one of those places in East Eurpoean countries where most of the African countries find a college degree with less exertion than other countries. The only difference is in college one must appear in person, whereas the mail-order-diploma delived by DHL/Post Express at exorbitant fee at the doorstep.
One should vigorously oppose the scandelous corruption that is going on Ethiopia. Even Nigeriaians seized by a blushing seizure of embarrassment by the action of Derarrtu Tulu and Dr. Asheiber, given the long experience over the years at the Olympic.