Addis Ababa is set to host its first-ever World Athletics Bronze-level one-day international competition, the Addis Grand Prix, with six days remaining before the event takes place at Addis Ababa Stadium. The competition marks Ethiopia’s debut on the global circuit of one-day international athletics meetings sanctioned by World Athletics.
According to information from the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, preparations are underway as confirmed participants, including Olympic and World Championship medalists, begin arranging travel to the Ethiopian capital. The event represents Ethiopia’s entry into the World Athletics Continental Tour framework, where Bronze-level meetings are recognized as part of the international competition calendar.
Among the athletes’ confirming participation is Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man in the 100 meters. The Kenyan sprinter, a gold medalist in both the 100 meters and 4×100 meters at the African Athletics Championships 2022, is expected to headline the sprint events. Omanyala is widely regarded as a key figure in Kenya’s short-distance track program at global competitions.
The federation also confirmed the participation of Dalilah Muhammad, the 400-meter hurdles gold medalist at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Muhammad, who also secured a world title at the World Athletics Championships 2019, remains one of the leading figures in her discipline and a former world record holder.
In addition, Gabby Thomas, identified as a Paris Olympic 200-meter champion, has also confirmed her participation, according to earlier announcements by the federation.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation stated that the participating athletes have completed the necessary registration processes, with additional Olympic and World Championship competitors expected to arrive in Addis Ababa in the coming days.
Ethiopia’s opportunity to host the Addis Grand Prix follows its inclusion in the World Athletics Continental Tour calendar, a development attributed to ongoing efforts by the national federation to expand the country’s role beyond long-distance running into hosting international competitions. The Continental Tour, established by World Athletics in 2020, provides a structured series of meetings across different levels, including Gold, Silver, and Bronze, offering host nations the platform to stage internationally recognized events.
