Feyisa Lilesa is an Ethiopian long-distance runner who is also a member of the Oromo people.
Lilesa is famous for completing the men’s marathon in 2010 and timed 2:05:23 at Rotterdam Marathon. Moreover, this event made him the youngest man to run under 2:06.
Nevertheless, Feyisa Lilesa rose to prominence after finishing the 2012 Chicago Marathon in second place, notably with the personal best of 2:04:52.
The Ethiopian native Feyisa Lilesa was born in 1990. Moreover, there is not much detail about his father and mother.
Also, it seems like Feyisa wants to concentrate on his game instead of public attention and popularity.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Feyisa Lilesa |
| Date of Birth | 1 February 1990 |
| Birth Place | Ethiopia |
| Nick Name | Feyisa |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Nationality | Ethiopian |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Age | 34 years old |
| Height | 6’2” (1.87m) |
| Weight | 154.3 lb (67 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brownish |
| Build | Athletic |
| Farther’s Name | Unknown |
| Mother’s Name | Unknown |
| Siblings | None |
| Education | Unknown |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Iftu Mulisa |
| Children | Soko Lilesa and Soro Lilesa |
| Profession | Runner |
| Team | Ethiopia National Team |
| Level | Senior Player |
| Previous Team | N/A |
| Highest Rank | No. 4 |
| Active Years | 2008 – present |
| Net Worth | $700,000 |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
| Merch | Book |
| Last Update | April, 2024 |
Feyisa Lilesa | Salary and Career Earning
Feyisa Lilesa is the pride of Ethiopia who has waved his country’s flag with many main event victories.
However, as of 2021, the salary of Fyisa Lilesa is unknown. But he certainly earns a handsome income from his salary and prize money.
Nevertheless, he won the Bogota Half Marathon in 2017. Evidently, by winning the event, he has claimed the prize money of $110,000.
Likewise, following the same year, Feyisa also won another half marathon called the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, where he received prize money of $215,000.
Not to mention, in 2016, Feylsa Lilesa made history in the Rio Olympics, claiming the second spot. Moreover, during that time, he received $1,471,315 as prize money.
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Feyisa Lilesa | Early Income and Prize Money
The Ethiopian marathon runner, Felsa Lilesa, has so far won five tournaments.
Evidently, through his professional career, he has earned a good amount of fortune and fame.
Moreover, Felsa Lilesa’s first victory was in the Dublin marathon. There he received $50,000 including several thousand dollars as additional prize money.
In fact, the prominent marathon runner Feyisa has also won race Xiamen International Marathon in China.
However, after winning the race, he settled for only $25000, rather than the full prize money of $40,000, as his finishing time did not reach the minimum.
Nevertheless, after a long wait, he finally waved the flag of victory in 2016 in the Tokyo marathon.
Furthermore, the Tokyo marathon total winning prize was $1,084,000, including $352,000 as a prize poll.
Moreover, the $732,000 amount included time bonuses with a maximum potential payout of $460,000.
Therefore, winning the Tokyo marathon has earned him nearly a half-million dollars.
Feyisa Lilesa | Marriage Life and Children
The world-renowned marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa is a married man as of 2021. He is married to his long-time girlfriend, Iftu Mulisa.
Sadly, Lilesa’s wife, Mulisa is not socially active; hence, the information and personal details are unknown.
Moreover, so far, even Feyisa did not spill a bean regarding his married life. It seems like he wants to keep his family out of the spotlight.
Nevertheless, the lovely couple Feyisa Lilesa and Iftu Mulisa got married in 2012 in Ethiopia.
Similarly, the couple’s long married life has blessed them with three adorable children.
Feyisa’s his eldest daughter Soko Lilesa who is now 6 years old. Furthermore, the couple also has a son named Sora Lilesa.
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Tragic Story of Feyisa Lilesa
In 2016, the Ethiopian governments decided to reallocate land in the Oromo and Amhara regions.
Even though the native people of that place were protesting, the government went on with their plan instead of control.
In fact, Human Rights Watch claims security forces have murdered more than 400 Oromo demonstrators, a statistic the government rejects.
Likewise, Feyisa Lilesa was watching over Ethiopians Oromo who had been subjected to violent police agitation.
Nevertheless, he crossed his hands on his head to support the victims as he concluded the marathon.
In fear of being murdered after the event, Lilesa did not go back to his native land. Instead, he took asylum in Arizona, United States.
After that the new successor of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, encouraged him to return home to his country in October 2018, ending his two-year exile.
Feyisa Lilesa | Career Overview
Taking about his career, Feyisa Lilesa’s first big competition was the 2008 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
Moreover, his 14th position in the young division during the game allowed Ethiopians to win their silver medals.
Furthermore, in 2008, he began to compete in international competitions.
Evidently, Feyisa raced the World 10K Bangalore inaugural edition in May, where he placed fifth.
International Wins and Records
The next year, Feyisa took a senior debut at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 2009, where he won the silver medal for the top team.
Notably, In January 2010, Feyisa Lilesa significantly improved on the Xiamen International Marathon.
During the game, Feyisa broke the record of Samuel Muturi Mugo and earned his first win at a major marathon.
Feyisa Lilesa’s Book
Detailing the struggle and life of Feyisa, Dr. Stephany Evans Steggall wrote the book titled ‘A Time To Born: The Feyisa Lilesa Story.’
This book is an inflammatory narrative that gives readers a broad view of a renowned East African runner.
Evidently, it’s a life story book whose heroism of Feyisa, an Oromo, Ethiopia’s biggest ethnic group.
The notion of a birth time is a cosmological belief extremely strongly held by the Oromo.
Moreover, the book also includes Feyisa wonder if he had been born at the proper moment as he narrates his story.
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Major Accomplishment
- Bronze medal in 2011 at World Championship marathon.
- Silver medal at the Rio Olympics (2016).
- Silver medal at IAAF World Cross Country Championship (2009).
FAQs
What happened to Feyisa Lilesaa?
After the fear of death, he did not return to his country and remained in the United States. However, the Ethiopian hero returned to his homeland in 2016.
Is Feyisa Lilesa family dead?
No, Feyisa Lisa’s family is not dead. Although he was exiled, his family and relatives stayed in Ethiopia safely.
