A time of 4:08.47 in the indoor 1,500 metres, set in Stockholm in February 2014, established sixteen-year-old Gudaf Tsegay as a formidable presence in international athletics. The Ethiopian runner, hailing from the Tigray Region, has since evolved into a versatile force, securing multiple global titles across middle- and long-distance events while maintaining a consistent presence on the world podium.
Early Career and Records
Gudaf began her competitive trajectory early, winning silver at the 2014 World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. By 2016, she had broken the world under-20 indoor record for the 1500 metres in Glasgow with a time of 4:01.81. That same year, she earned bronze at the World Indoor Championships in Portland. Her transition to senior competition included participation in the 800 metres at the 2016 Rio Olympics, though she did not advance past the heats.
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Take the IQ test →Ascension to World Indoor Dominance
In 2021, she lowered the world indoor 1500 metre record to 3:53.09 at the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais, eclipsing the previous mark held by Genzebe Dibaba. The following year, she dominated the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, capturing gold with a championship record of 3:57.19. This victory marked a historic sweep for Ethiopia, as her compatriots Axumawit Embaye and Hirut Meshesha took the remaining podium spots.
Global Outdoor Achievements
At the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Gudaf added to her medal collection by securing silver in the 1500 metres and gold in the 5000 metres. She continued her progression in 2023, claiming the 10,000 metre title at the World Championships in Budapest. Later that year, she set a world record in the 5000 metres at the Diamond League Final in Eugene, clocking 14:00.21 and surpassing the previous record held by Faith Kipyegon.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 January 1997, Tigray Province, Ethiopia
- Sport: Athletics (middle- and long-distance)
- Coach: Hiluf Yihdego
- 2020 Tokyo Olympic Result: Bronze (5000 metres)
- 2022 World Indoor Title: 1500 metres
- 2023 World Championship Title: 10,000 metres
- 5000 metres world record time: 14:00.21
- Languages: Amharic
Questions readers ask
What is Gudaf Tsegay's personal connection to her coaching staff?
She is married to her coach, Hiluf Yihdego.
Which major records does Gudaf Tsegay hold?
She is the world indoor record holder for the 1500 metres and the world record holder for the 5000 metres.
