Shewarge Alene, a reigning marathon champion from Ethiopia, has tragically passed away at the age of 30, just four months after one of her career’s biggest victories.
Alene collapsed during a training session and was rushed to a hospital near the nation’s capital, Addis Ababa, where she later died.
In May, she had celebrated a major triumph at the Stockholm Marathon, crossing the finish line first with her arms raised in victory.
The official Instagram page of the event confirmed her death on Thursday, stating: “It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of the adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025. Shewarge Alene felt unwell during a training session and was taken to the hospital, where unfortunately her life could not be saved. She was 30 years old. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
Alene was one of the most accomplished athletes in the marathon world, winning 12 of the 27 races she competed in professionally.
Her training teammates remembered her as a “determined athlete” and a “generous friend” who always inspired and encouraged those around her, according to reports in Ethiopia.
