Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) was named the winner of the 2023 International Fair Play Award by the World Athletics.
The jury of the World Athletics and social media votes combined result gave the award to the Ethiopia’s world 10,000m silver medalist for the return to comfort Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan after her dramatic fall at the in the final meters.
Letesenbet Gidey was presented with her award during a virtual meeting with Sunil Sabharwal, CIFP Secretary General and World Athletics Executive Board Member.
“When Sifan fell, my heart was broken. I know the feeling of falling”, said Letesenbet Gidey. “When people are happy, I’m happy. I feel sad when they’re sad. I am happy to receive the Fair Play Award 2023. Thank you”, added she,
Letesenbet Gidey is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who holds two world records and one world best. In the 10,000m, she is the Tokyo 2020 Olympics bronze medalist, 2019 World silver medalist, and 2022 World champion.