Established long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese has tragically died while preparing for an upcoming marathon.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The Ethiopian athlete, 36, reportedly suffered a "medical emergency" during training, according to the Ethiopian Athletics Federation.
Melese had been preparing for the Ottawa International Marathon in Canada, scheduled for May 24.
Marathon Runner Dies During Training in Ethiopia
Melese built a respected career in distance running and previously won marathons in Houston, Prague, and Shanghai.
According to the BBC, local reports stated that she experienced a "sudden medical emergency" in Addis Ababa.
Medical teams rushed Melese to a nearby hospital, but she later died despite efforts to save her.
Officials have not yet released further details surrounding the cause of death.
"The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and offers condolences to her family, friends and fans," a statement read on Tuesday, May 12.
Melese's last competitive appearance came at the 2024 Beijing Marathon, where she was unable to finish the race.
Melese Built Career Among World's Elite Runners
According to PEOPLE, Melese won both the Prague and Houston marathons in 2015, then went on to win Shanghai in 2018.
That same year, she recorded a personal best time of 2:19:36 at the Dubai Marathon.
The performance established her among the world's elite women's marathon runners and placed her among the few female athletes at the time to break the 2:20 barrier.
Melese stepped away from competition in 2020 before returning in 2024, where she placed eighth at the Berlin Marathon.
She finished less than two minutes behind her career-best time in Berlin.
Earlier this year, Melese also finished second at the Zurich Marató Barcelona Marathon with a time of 2:20:47, according to Canadian Running Magazine.
Melese turned professional in 2011 and won the 10km category at the Ethiopian Athletics Federation Track and Field Championships.
She later added several half-marathon victories to her résumé, including consecutive wins at the Paris Half Marathon in 2014 and 2015.
At the 2018 Portugal Half Marathon in Lisbon, she posted a career-best 1:07:18 time.
Melese is survived by her husband and two young children.
