Yomif Kejelcha Atomsa, born on August 1, 1997, in Showa, Oromia, Ethiopia, is a world-record-holding distance runner renowned for his versatility across middle- and long-distance events. The fifth of nine children, Yomif was introduced to athletics by his friend Abebe Dribsa. Defying his father’s wishes, he dropped out of high school in ninth grade to pursue running, leading to a temporary expulsion from home. Joining the Burayu Kenema Club and training on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Yomif’s talent quickly shone through. Inspired by his hero, Kenenisa Bekele, he trains 120–140 kilometers weekly alongside elite runners like Telahun Haile Bekele and Hagos Gebrhiwet, honing his speed and endurance in Ethiopia’s high-altitude environment.

Yomif’s international career began with a bang, winning gold in the 3000m at the 2013 World Youth Championships in Donetsk (7:53.56). He followed with 5000m gold at the 2014 World Junior Championships and 3000m titles at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games and 2015 African Junior Championships. At 18, he claimed the 2015 Diamond League 5,000m title, running a world-leading 12:58.39 in Rome. His senior breakthrough came in 2016, securing 3000m gold at the World Indoor Championships in Portland, a title he defended in 2018. In 2019, he set the world indoor mile record (3:47.01) in Boston, surpassing Hicham El Guerrouj’s mark, and earned a 10,000m silver at the World Championships in Doha (26:49.34).

In 2024, Yomif etched his name in history by breaking the men’s half marathon world record at the Valencia Half Marathon, clocking 57:30 to shave one second off Jacob Kiplimo’s previous mark. His 2024 season also included a world-leading 10,000m (26:31.01) at Ethiopia’s Olympic trials and a sixth-place finish in the 10,000m at the Paris Olympics. Known for thrilling finishes, Yomif nearly broke the 5km world record in 2023 (12:50, Lille) and ran the fourth-fastest 5,000m ever (12:38.95, Oslo, 2024). His tactical brilliance was evident in close races, like his 0.003-second victory over Kiplimo in Oslo’s 5,000m. Despite setbacks, including eighth-place finishes at the 2020 Tokyo and 2022 World Championships, Yomif’s resilience and speed keep him among the world’s elite.

Training in Addis Ababa, Yomif remains a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s distance-running legacy. His 2018–2019 stint with the Nike Oregon Project, alongside Galen Rupp and Sifan Hassan, broadened his perspective, though he returned to Ethiopia to train with his compatriots. With a physique described as exceptionally lean (6’1”, 128 pounds), Yomif’s efficiency and determination drive his success. As he eyes future Olympic medals and more world records, Yomif continues to inspire young Ethiopian runners, carrying the mantle of his nation’s storied athletic tradition.