Gezahegne Abera is an Ethiopian athlete, winner of the marathon race at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Education
Born in Etya, Arsi Province, Gezahegne"s first international competition was the 1999 Los Angeles Marathon, where he finished fourth, behind three Kenyans. That earned him a place in the Ethiopian 1999 World Championships team, where he finished eleventh.
Career
At the Sydney Olympics, the marathon race came down to two Ethiopians, Gezahegne and Tesfaye Tola, and Kenyan Erick Wainaina. At the 37 km mark, Wainaina tried to make a break, but 2 km later Gezahegne surged to the lead and held the position to the finishing lane. At the 2003 World Championships, Gezahegne had to abandon the race due to injury, but he was selected in the Ethiopian 2004 Olympic team
Again. injury kept him from the race.
Gezahegne"s repeated injuries ended his running career at a relatively young age.