An Ethiopian athlete who grabbed the world’s attention during the 2016 Rio Olympics by protesting against the then Ethiopian government has been awarded by the current government.
Feyisa Lilesa was honoured for his silver medal victory at the 2016 Olympics marathon event, and was awarded $17,000.
The 29-year-old refused to return to his country after his second-place finish in the race, saying his life would be in danger there.
Upon finishing the race, he crossed his hands above his head in solidarity with anti-government protesters back home.
”I’m very happy, not because of the prize money. I’m happy because I’m witnessing my struggle being fruitful in the country,” BBC reports Feyisa to have said after the ceremony.
The athlete also met Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahle-Work Zewde, with whom he did another gesture, this time to mean the country was free.
Ethiopia has enjoyed a period of reforms since PM Ahmed took office in April 2018.
The 42-year-old has overseen changes in his country’s politics, largely ending conflicts locally and also ending diplomatic spats with other countries.
Renowned athlete Feyisa Lelisa, also present at the dinner, was honored in a special category,
as part of the celebratory evening, for his silver medal victory at the Rio 2016 marathon. #PMOEthiopia pic.twitter.com/OtOTyLimcp— Office of the Prime Minister – Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) April 9, 2019
