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Photo: Katie Chan (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Tigst
Assefa
Career overview
She is the current world record holder in the women's marathon and has made significant strides in the sport since transitioning from an 800 meters specialist.
Visit the official Tigst Assefa site →
Career honours
1World Marathon Record · 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon2
1Women's-only Marathon World Record · 2:15:41 at the 2026 London Marathon2
2Olympic Silver Medal · 2024 Paris Marathon
2World Marathon Majors Titles · 4 titles (2 in Berlin, 2 in London)4
Records
RFirst Woman Under 2:14 · Became the first woman to break the 2:14 barrier in the mara
RFirst Woman Under 2:13 · Became the first woman to break the 2:13 barrier in the mara
RFirst Woman Under 2:12 · Became the first woman to break the 2:12 barrier in the mara
Biography
Early Life & Origins
Tigst Assefa was born on December 3, 1996, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She began her athletic career at a young age, initially competing in the 400 meters and 800 meters events. Her early achievements included winning a bronze medal in the 800 meters at the 2013 African Junior Championships, showcasing her potential in middle-distance running.
Rise to Prominence
Transitioning to marathon running in 2018, Tigst made her marathon debut in 2022. She quickly rose to prominence by recording one of the fastest times in history at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:15:37, which marked her as a serious contender in long-distance running.
Playing Style & Technique
Tigst Assefa is known for her exceptional endurance and strategic pacing during races. Her ability to maintain a strong negative split, where she runs the second half of the race faster than the first, has been a key factor in her success. This technique was evident in her record-breaking performances, where she consistently outpaced her competitors.
Defining Moments & Achievements
Tigst's career reached a historic peak when she set the women's marathon world record at the 2023 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:11:53. She became the first woman to break the 2:14, 2:13, and 2:12 barriers in the marathon, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in women's athletics.
Rivalries & Era Context
Tigst Assefa competes in an era marked by fierce competition among elite female marathon runners. Her notable rivalries include athletes like Ruth Chepng'etich, with whom she has shared the spotlight in major marathons. These rivalries have pushed her to achieve new heights and set records in the sport.
Legacy & Impact
As a world record holder and multiple marathon winner, Tigst Assefa's impact on the sport of athletics is profound. She has inspired a new generation of female athletes in Ethiopia and beyond, demonstrating the potential for women in long-distance running and breaking barriers in marathon performance.
Stats in detail
Marathon Records
Tigst Assefa has set remarkable records in marathon running.
| World Record | 2:11:53 |
| Women's-only World Record | 2:15:41 |
| Berlin Marathon Wins | 2 |
| London Marathon Wins | 2 |
Major Competitions
Tigst has participated in several prestigious events.
| Olympic Games | 1 |
| World Championships | 1 |
| World Marathon Majors | 4 |
Personal Bests
Tigst has achieved impressive personal bests in various distances.
| 800 m | 1:59.24 |
| Marathon | 2:11:53 |
International Competitions
Tigst has represented Ethiopia in multiple international events.
| African Junior Championships | 1 medal |
| Olympics | 1 appearance |
| World Championships | 1 appearance |
Career timeline
2009Won bronze in the 400 meters at the senior Ethiopian Athletics Championships.
2013Won bronze in the 800 meters at the African Junior Championships.
2016Represented Ethiopia at the Rio Olympics in the 800 meters.
2022Debuted in marathon running at the Riyadh Marathon.
2023Set the women's marathon world record at the Berlin Marathon.
2024Won a silver medal in the Olympic marathon in Paris.
2025Won the London Marathon and set a women's-only marathon world record.
Tigst Assefa career moments
Latest Assefa News
All 29 stories →
Marathon · Club News
Tigst Assefa's Marathon Record Under Threat from On's New Cloudboom Running Trainers
Marathon · Club News
Tigst Assefa Tests Adidas' Record-Breaking Super Shoe in Marathon
Marathon · Rivalry
Rivalry Reignited: Assefa vs Kosgei Heats Up
Marathon · Player Focus
Tigst Assefa Races in London Marathon 2026
Marathon · Player Focus
Tigst Assefa Aims to Break Record at London Marathon
Frequently asked
What is Tigst Assefa's net worth?
The exact net worth of Tigst Assefa is not publicly disclosed.
How tall is Tigst Assefa?
Tigst Assefa is 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in) tall.
How old is Tigst Assefa?
Tigst Assefa was born on December 3, 1996, making her 29 years old.
Is Tigst Assefa retired or still active?
Tigst Assefa is currently active in marathon running.
Ethiopia
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