The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Sports›Athletics›Yomif Kejelcha
Sports • Athletics

Yomif Kejelcha

Yomif Kejelcha is an Ethiopian middle- and long-distance runner born on 1 August 1997.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Yomif Kejelcha is an Ethiopian middle- and long-distance runner born on 1 August 1997. He has won two world indoor titles in the 3000 metres, earned world championship silver medals in the 10,000 metres, and held world records in the indoor mile and half marathon.

Early life and background

Yomif Kejelcha was born in Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia, on 1 August 1997. Public athlete profiles identify him as an Ethiopian runner competing in middle- and long-distance events.

International career

Kejelcha emerged as a major junior and senior athlete in track events, later winning world indoor titles and World Championships medals. Sources also note his participation in Olympic Games and major global championships.

Records and notable performances

He set the world record in the indoor mile in 2019 and later broke the half marathon world record in 2024. World Athletics and Diamond League profiles list him among the top performers in road running and 10,000 metres.

Marathon debut

Sources report that he made his marathon debut in 2026. One profile notes a sub-two-hour performance in a race meeting, placing him among the fastest marathon runners in regulated conditions.

Key facts

  • Represents Ethiopia in middle- and long-distance running.
  • Won two World Athletics Indoor Championships gold medals in the 3000 metres.
  • Won silver in the men's 10,000 metres at the 2019 and 2025 World Championships.
  • Set a half marathon world record of 57:30 in Valencia in 2024.
  • Held the indoor mile world record of 3:47.01, set in 2019.
🍁
Canadian context

Kejelcha has competed on the global athletics circuit that includes events relevant to Canadian track and road running fans, but there is no clear Canada-specific connection in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Yomif Kejelcha?
He is an Ethiopian middle- and long-distance runner known for success in track and road events, including world titles, world championship medals, and world records.
When was Yomif Kejelcha born?
He was born on 1 August 1997.
What world titles has he won?
He has won two World Athletics Indoor Championships titles in the 3000 metres.
What world records has he held?
He held the indoor mile world record and later the half marathon world record.
What are his biggest championship results?
He won silver medals in the men's 10,000 metres at the 2019 and 2025 World Championships.

References

  1. World Athletics — https://worldathletics.org/athletes/ethiopia/yomif-kejelcha-14594967
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, event specialities, world record status, world indoor titles, and World Championships medals.
  2. Diamond League — https://www.diamondleague.com/athlete/14594967/
    Supports: Nationality, birth date, Diamond League wins, personal bests, world record holder status, and championship medal summary.
  3. Olympedia — https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/2103366
    Supports: Full name, birth date, birth place, and national Olympic affiliation.
  4. L'Équipe — https://www.lequipe.fr/fiche/yomif-kejelcha/11961
    Supports: World indoor titles, World Championships silver medals, record achievements, and general athlete profile.
  5. Sportskeeda — https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/news-who-yomif-kejelcha-all-ethiopian-runner-broke-jacob-kiplimo-s-half-marathon-world-record-valencia
    Supports: 2024 half marathon world record performance and birth date.