
A foundation has been inaugurated to commemorate the enduring legacy of an uncelebrated figure in Ethiopian athletics on the 32nd anniversary of his passing. This foundation aims to support and inspire future generations through youth development programs, athletic training, and community outreach. Family members, former athletes, and dignitaries gathered to mark this occasion, reflecting on the profound impact this individual had on Ethiopian sports and the nation as a whole. The establishment of the foundation is a testament to his lasting contributions and a commitment to carrying forward his spirit.
Miruts Yifter, an Ethiopian athletics hero, once said, “I was determined to run the four best races of my life (two semi-finals and two finals). I prayed that if I succeeded in doing something brave in Moscow, I would gladly give my life for the sport.” These powerful words encapsulate the fierce dedication that propelled him to his historic double gold victory in the 5,000m and 10,000m races at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Years before this iconic achievement, Miruts’ extraordinary talent was recognized by a man whose contributions are equally vital to Ethiopia’s athletic prowess.
In terms of Ethiopia’s international standing in athletics, particularly running, the nation’s long and successful journey to the global stage would not have been possible without the foundational work of Nigussie Roba. A two-time Olympian and a legendary coach, Nigussie was the architect of Ethiopia’s enduring success on the track.
Born on Pagumen 5, 1927 E.C. (which coincided with the Ethiopian New Year’s Eve) in FereAd, Jijiga, Hararghe, Nigussie Roba’s arrival mirrored the promise inherent in the dawn of a new year. Just as the New Year brings the potential for change and growth, Nigussie ushered in a transformative era for Ethiopian athletics. His early years were spent in Addis Ababa, where he received his primary and secondary education at the prestigious Teferri Mekonnen School. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the Addis Ababa Commercial School and later to Charles University in Czechoslovakia, where he earned a master’s degree in sports and physical training, equipping him with both practical experience and theoretical understanding.
Following in the footsteps of his heroic grandfather, Lenjiso Diga, revered by the Arsi Oromo as a patriot, and his father, Roba Lenjiso, who fought gallantly during the Italian invasion, Nigussie Roba carved out his own distinguished place in the world of sport, adding a new chapter to his family’s prestigious history.
Nigussie’s athletic journey began with explosive speed on the track and agility on the football field. He etched his name in history as one of the pioneering twelve athletes to represent Ethiopia at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, competing in the demanding 100m, 200m, and the exhilarating 4x100m relay. He continued his Olympic involvement at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he focused on the 100m event; this Game was particularly significant for Ethiopia as it witnessed Abebe Bikila’s historic barefoot marathon victory, a moment that began to capture the world’s imagination.
Following his competitive career, Nigussie transitioned seamlessly into coaching, where his impact would be profound and lasting. In 1968, he became the head coach of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF), a position he held until his passing on April 6, 1985 E.C. During his tenure, Nigussie’s keen eye for talent and dedicated training regimens nurtured a generation of Ethiopian running legends. His stable of athletes included iconic figures such as marathoner Mamo Wolde, the tenacious Eshetu Tura, the powerful Mohammed Kedir, and, of course, the electrifying Miruts Yifter.
The story of how Nigussie discovered Miruts illustrates his intuitive understanding of athletic potential. During a crucial training trip with the national team to the rugged terrain of northern Ethiopia, Nigussie spotted Miruts’s raw talent and boldly declared him Ethiopia’s next great runner. He successfully recruited him into the Ethiopian Air Force, which served as a vital training hub for the nation’s aspiring elite athletes. Under this nurturing guidance, Miruts developed his signature tactic of abruptly changing pace in races, particularly in the final stages, earning him the unforgettable moniker “Yifter the Shifter.”
Above all, Coach Nigussie Roba stands as a pioneering figure who paved the way for Ethiopian athletes to not only participate in prestigious international competitions but also to secure well-deserved financial rewards for themselves and their communities, fundamentally changing the landscape of Ethiopian athletics.
The fruits of Nigussie Roba’s labor continued to be evident when Ethiopia held its qualifying matches in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The marathon event showcased the depth of talent he had cultivated, with Belayneh Dinsamo, Abebe Mekonnen, Kebede Balcha, and Wedajo Bulti all competing. Notably, Belayneh Dinsamo won the race and shattered the world record, a testament to the enduring quality of Nigussie’s coaching principles. Although Ethiopia ultimately did not participate in the 1988 Seoul Olympics due to political issues, Coach Nigussie Roba’s name remains etched in history for producing athletes capable of achieving extraordinary feats.
Nigussie Roba is rightfully regarded as the principal architect behind the sustained success of Ethiopia’s long-distance runners from the 1960s through the 1980s. Under his guidance, Ethiopian athletes secured six Olympic medals, firmly establishing Ethiopia as a dominant force in long-distance running. His influence transcended national boundaries, as he generously extended his coaching expertise to athletes from other African nations, contributing to their international success. His commitment to the sport extended beyond the track; he actively served on the executive committee of the African Amateur Athletics Federation and held a respected membership in the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF).
His remarkable efforts did not go unnoticed. He was honored with a range of prestigious awards, including the esteemed Blue Nile Award from the Ethiopian Government, a veteran pin and diploma from the IAAF recognizing his long service, and even a car as special recognition for his pivotal role in coaching marathon world record holder Belayneh Dinsamo. During the “Barefoot Legacies” program in 2013 E.C., former Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde paid tribute to Nigussie Roba, acknowledging his remarkable contributions.
In a fitting testament to his enduring legacy and profound impact, the Athlete and Coach Nigussie Roba Foundation was recently inaugurated by his wife, Liyuwork Mengesha, with the heartfelt support of the Former Athletes’ Association. This vital foundation carries forward Nigussie’s vision by empowering youth through initiatives focused on sports development, education, and health, ensuring that his inspiring vision of athletic excellence and community upliftment continues to shape future generations.
Mohammed Kophe, a respected Member of the House of People’s Representatives, eloquently captured Nigussie Roba’s significance, describing him as “one of the pioneers who laid the foundation for Ethiopia’s international recognition in athletics.” His unwavering dedication, sharp eye for talent, and profound impact on the sport continue to resonate deeply within Ethiopia and beyond, solidifying his place as a pivotal and often unsung hero in Ethiopian sporting history.
BY SOLOMON GIRMAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2025