BY LEULSEGED WORKU
What touches deep inside and compels one to shed tears of joy other than watching your own fellow people shining like pearls with victory in every corner of the world?
What is more delighting and a thing that warms one’s heart with pride and honour than seeing his/her own fellow citizens wandering here and there with unutterable happiness wrapping themselves with your country’s flag and waving it high proudly?
Seeing your national flag being raised high; hearing your national anthem played at the World Athletics Championship and even reverberating across the world for the reason that your fellow citizens have scored a glittering victory over their contestants is a joy which cannot be expressed in words.
The last two weeks were times that Ethiopian athletes outdid their competitors and outshined in the athletics village-, in the 18th edition World Athletics Championship Oregon 2022. The athletes, aside from the success they scored at the track and field, have shown the global community Ethiopians’ uniqueness, their unity, and the beauty of unity in diversity.
The success is a true sign of Ethiopian athletes’ persistence, togetherness and signals that teamwork is the secret behind great achievements.The feat warms the hearts’ of all Ethiopians at home and abroad, boosts their morale, and makes them smile even in the face of adversity.
After accomplishing their mission in the World Athletics Championships 2022, in Oregon, USA, of course glowing with greater victory, Ethiopian athletes returned home on Wednesday evening.
In a welcoming program that was held last Thursday, Ethiopians are seen expressing their feelings to their fellow citizens in various ways. On the day, Ethiopians were seen applauding and encouraging their superheroes standing in the streets of Addis Ababa. From children to elders were seen waving Ethiopian flags high; and heard praising their national heroes loudly.
The 18th edition of Oregon World Championship is beyond track and field for all Ethiopians. While the nation is working hard for peace and stability, some anti-Ethiopian elements, both internal and external entities, have been working untiringly to blemish the nation’s image and reputation through their wicked activities at the international arenas.
These groups have a common interest concerning Ethiopia – they do not want to see a stable and prosperous nation. For that very reason, they have all meanness and are always looking for an opportunity to destroy the peace and stability of the nation.
As a way to achieve this goal, they are seen using social media and lobbyists to disseminate false information concerning Ethiopia. Unfortunately, none of these plans have borne fruit. This is because of the reason that Ethiopians are united more than ever. Despite all the challenges and the fake news or misinformation campaigns, Ethiopians have joined their hands for the good of their nation. The Oregon Championship is a good indication of this. Despite all the hurdles, Ethiopian athletes have attained a great victory in the global arena.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony that was held at the National Palace, President Sahle-Work Zewde said that the victory of all Ethiopian athletes is the victory of Ethiopia. While several unfavourable and substantiated narratives are disseminated about Ethiopia at global level, the athletes have portrayed the victorious feature of Ethiopia.
They have made Ethiopians feel proud, let them held their heads up and nation’s flag waved high at the international stage. They have also shown the global community how the bond among Ethiopians is too strong; and there is no any problem amongst them.
According to the President, the athletes have shown us the winner Ethiopia, the country we knew it very well; and the nation we are aspiring it achieving greater levels of success. “The victory has created laughter for those Ethiopian who are getting in various demanding moments and distressing incidents,” the President remarked.
Appreciating the effort of the athletes, especially, Athlete Commander Derartu Tulu, who has a significant role behind the success of women athletes, the President said, the victory has shown to the world the true image of Ethiopia. “They have shown to the whole world who Ethiopians are and what Ethiopia represents.”
There were attempts to divide the true Ethiopian sentiment. However, it has never been successful. All attempts to overshadow Ethiopia`s bright hope with darkness have failed several times. The commitment and the courage of Ethiopians to preserve their unity have shed light on the darkness.
Endurance is always accompanied by success. There is no victory which is not accompanied by hurdles. This is witnessed during the 18th edition of the World Athletics Championships. Because of their commitment and perseverance Ethiopian athletes have endured all the challenges.
Welcoming the athletes, Defence Minister, Abraham Belay (PhD), said that the victory of Ethiopian athletes is a sign of persistence and commitment. Whenever there is endurance there is always success.
The success gained in Oregon is truly a result of teamwork and commitment. Without commitment and teamwork there is no success. This is witnessed by Ethiopian athletes. The teamwork that was witnessed in Oregon is one important factor behind their triumph.
As it was indicated by Culture and Sport Minister, Kejela Merdassa, the victory scored by Ethiopian athletes is a true manifestation of unity. According to him, the teamwork witnessed by our athletes signifies the importance of collaboration and cooperation in other areas of life too. “If there is team spirit, there is nothing we cannot achieve in other sectors as well.”
Indeed, behind every success there is one strong force – teamwork. As it was stated by the world-renowned athlete, Athlete Haile Gebreselassie, Ethiopian victory in the World Athletics Championship is a good example of teamwork and unity.
In an exclusive interview with local media, the athlete has expressed his excitement about the success. According to him, the victory of our athletes has rebranded Ethiopia`s name in the global arena. Haile also said that the country may face challenges but with commitment and perseverance there is nothing we cannot overcome.
“As we know, owing to the divisive political ideology of some groups, we have encountered greater difficulties and gone through multiples of challenges. And this world championship is more than running or athletics. It is beyond sport, especially for Ethiopia and Ethiopians.”
Appreciating the efforts and the teamwork of those Ethiopian athletes who kept Ethiopia`s name in the second rank, Haile said that the athletes have not only brought medals to Ethiopia; but they have also brought Ethiopians together. Their success has brought people of Ethiopia who are living at home and abroad together.
Reflecting his view about the success of athletes, Team Leader Tefera Molla, said that the results registered at the World Athletics Championship have filled the hearts of Ethiopians with joy and it would facilitate Ethiopia’s journey to its accession and prosperity.
According to him, the win was achieved due to the rigorous preparations, including performance and evaluation activities carried out on a daily basis, aside from the strict discipline during recruitment processes.
The success of Ethiopian athletes is a good indication to further tap Ethiopian potential in other areas as well. Due to their discipline, teamwork and perseverance, our athletes have put Ethiopia`s name in the second position of the medal table. The nation may have several internal and external challenges; however, through commitment, teamwork and persistence nothing is impossible. This is what the Ethiopians witnessed from the Organ World Athletics Championships. Ethiopia collected a total of ten medals: four gold, four silver and two bronze medals.
The Ethiopian Herald July 30/2022
