Tiki Gelana set the Ethiopian national record with her 2:18:58 performance in Rotterdam in the spring of 2012. Following that race, she was selected to join her country’s Olympic team. Despite the rainy conditions and a fall, Gelana outraced the best female marathoners in the world to win the gold medal and record the fastest time ever run in an Olympic marathon. Of that experience she says, “I did not think about a medal before the race, but I was telling myself that I had to win for my country and myself.

Up until 500 meters to go, I was not sure about my victory because the Kenyans’ plan was to make the race as fast as possible. But, since I was very strong, I was not afraid of their tactics.” Gelana is looking for a strong performance in Boston to make her second Olympic team.

Gelana grew up in Bejoki in a large family of three brothers and eight sisters, where she was the sixth oldest. Her family farmed and Gelana helped with the chores and with taking care of her siblings. She attended high school 15 kilometers away and ran to school. Her sister Almaz Gelana is also an athlete. Gelana enjoys watching television, playing board games and listening to Oromia’s traditional music. Gelana currently lives in Addis Ababa with her partner Getu Feleke.

“Running the Boston Marathon is a dream come true, and I hope a fast finish will bring me to the Olympics again.”