Dibaba family

The Dibaba family is an Ethiopian family of renowned elite long-distance runners from Bekoji, Oromia Region, a high-altitude town recognized for its rich running culture. The family includes sisters Ejegayehu, Tirunesh, Genzebe, and Anna Dibaba, as well as their cousin Derartu Tulu. Together, they have achieved significant success on the international stage, earning multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. The Dibaba sisters are often referred to as the "fastest family on Earth". They are the only known trio of siblings in history to each win Olympic medals.

Family members and achievements

Derartu Tulu

Derartu Tulu (born 21 March 1972) is a cousin of the Dibaba sisters and a trailblazer in African athletics. She became the first Black African woman to win Olympic gold when she won the 10,000 metres at the 1992 Summer Olympics. She added another gold in 2000 and a bronze in 2004.

Ejegayehu Dibaba

Ejegayehu Dibaba (born 21 March 1982) is the eldest sister and an Olympic silver medallist in the 10,000 metres at the 2004 Summer Olympics. She also earned bronze medals in both the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at the 2005 World Championships, and won gold at the 2003 All-Africa Games.

Tirunesh Dibaba

Tirunesh Dibaba (born 1 June 1985), known as the “Baby Faced Destroyer”, is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished distance runners in history. She won gold in the 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and retained her 10,000 m title at the 2012 London Olympics. Her career includes five World Championship titles and multiple world records.

Genzebe Dibaba

Genzebe Dibaba (born 8 February 1991) is a leading figure in middle- and long-distance running. She holds multiple world indoor records, including in the 1,500 metres, mile, 3,000 metres, and 5,000 metres. She won silver in the 1,500 metres at the 2016 Rio Olympics and gold at the 2015 World Championships.

Anna Dibaba

Anna Dibaba (born 26 October 1999) is one of the younger sisters active in professional athletics. She specialises in road racing and ran a personal best of 2:23:56 at the 2024 Amsterdam Marathon.

Training and background

The sisters were raised on a rural farm in Bekoji, a high-altitude town over 2,800 metres (9,200 feet) above sea level, noted for producing world-class runners. Their active upbringing, including daily runs to school, helped develop the endurance that would later define their careers. Initially coached by Derartu Tulu, they progressed through Ethiopia’s national training system.

Bekoji is also home to other elite athletes, including Kenenisa Bekele, and benefits from its altitude, community support, and established coaching networks.

Legacy

The Dibaba family's success has left a lasting mark on international distance running, earning Olympic and World Championship medals and setting multiple world records. They have played a key role in elevating Ethiopia’s profile in global athletics. Their story continues to inspire athletes worldwide—especially women in Ethiopia—by increasing visibility and representation in the sport.