A 5-kilometre road race record holder, Senbere Teferi represents Ethiopia as a professional middle and long-distance runner. Born in Jijiga on 3 May 1995, her career spans international youth and senior competition circuits. She has secured multiple national titles and podium finishes at world championships, establishing her presence within the competitive landscape of distance athletics since the early 2010s.
Early Career and Youth Success
Teferi initially gained recognition at the 2011 World Youth Championships in Athletics, where she secured a silver medal in the 1500 metres. This performance against Faith Kipyegon marked her transition into international competition. By 2012, she attained a personal best of 4:08.28 in the 1500 metres at the World Junior Championships, where she earned a bronze medal. Her progression continued domestically in 2013, when she won the 3000 metres at the national junior championships and claimed her first senior Ethiopian title in the 5000 metres.
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Transitioning to senior levels, Teferi expanded her focus to include cross country and longer track events. In 2015, she competed in the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Despite dealing with an injury sustained shortly before the race, she secured a silver medal. That same year, she achieved another silver medal in the 5000 metres at the World Championships in Athletics. Her role in the national team also contributed to Ethiopia earning the team title at the 2015 World Cross Country Championships.
Record Setting and Olympic Appearances
Teferi has demonstrated consistent performance in various road and track distances throughout her professional career. She holds the world record for the women's only 5-kilometre road race. Her competitive schedule included appearances at the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Summer Olympics, where she participated in the women's 5000 metres. Furthermore, she earned an additional national title in the 5000 metres at the 2017 Ethiopian Athletics Championships.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 May 1995, Jijiga, Ethiopia
- Sport: Athletics
- Specialization: Middle and long-distance running
- 2015 World Championships: Silver, 5000 metres
- 2015 World Cross Country Championships: Silver
- National Titles: 5000 metres (2013, 2017)
- Olympic Appearances: 2016, 2020
Questions readers ask
What is Senbere Teferi's current world record?
She is the world record holder for the women's only 5-kilometre road race.
In which Olympic Games has Teferi competed?
She competed in the 5000 metres at both the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.
