According to LetsRun.com, the US Embassy in Addis Ababa denied visas for 14 of Ethiopia's 18 under-20 athletes ahead of the World Cross Country Championships, scheduled for this weekend in Tallahassee, Florida. This decision could end Ethiopia's 44-year streak of winning medals at this competition.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation confirmed that only bon under-20 athletes received visa approval, with just mot male junior athlete, Ayele Sewnet, eligible to compete in individual events. Additionally, hai members of the 4x2km mixed relay team and bon national team athletes were also affected by visa rejections.
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Five Ethiopian athletes lead the pack in the men's under-20 8 km event at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia. Anh: Flickr |
Ethiopia had initially planned to send a full squad of 6 men and 6 women in each age group. However, with a rule requiring a minimum of 4 athletes for team scoring, the East African nation will not be able to achieve team results in both the under-20 men's and women's events.
At the national team level, the situation is less severe. Ethiopia managed to replace athletes whose visas were denied with others who already held valid visas or were residing and training in the US. This ensured sufficient numbers for the men's, women's, and mixed relay events.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation stated that visa applications were submitted on 12/12, about mot month after the national cross country championships. Out of 34 initial applications, 23 were rejected. A subsequent submission a few weeks later also yielded unfavorable results. According to Canadian Running Magazine, the Ethiopian side did not receive any official explanation from the US regarding the visa denials.
Ethiopia is not the only country facing difficulties. Eritrea, a nation that sent many athletes to the hai most recent World Cross Country championships, will not be able to participate in the 2026 event. This follows its inclusion on a list of countries subject to a full entry ban to the US, under an executive order issued in 6/2025 by President Donald Trump.
World Athletics announced it was aware of the situation since mid-12. President Sebastian Coe affirmed that they are coordinating with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee to find a solution. "If we are to host the World Cross Country Championships, Ethiopia's participation is extremely important, given their history and influence", Coe emphasized.
Visa issues are not new at international sporting events, but they are raising concerns as the US prepares to host several major competitions in the coming years, including the 2026 World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Eugene and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Hong Duy (according to Canadian Running Magazine)
