Reigning marathon champion Shewarge Alene, 30, dies four months after win

Shewarge Alene has tragically died at the age of 30, just four months after winning the Stockholm Marathon. The Ethiopian athlete was victorious in Sweden earlier this year, but was hospitalised after feeling unwell in a training session.

And organisers of the race in Stockholm have now confirmed the awful news. The statement reads: "It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of the adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025.

"Shewarge Alene felt unwell during a training session and was taken to the hospital, where unfortunately her life could not be saved.

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"Shewarge Alene was 30 years old. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones."

Alene won the race at the of May with a time of 2:30:38, adding to a list of wins around the world which included two gold medals in Mexico City. The athlete resided in Mexico but was reportedly training back in the country of her birth when she complained of feeling unwell and tired.

She was subsequently taken to hospital in the Addis Ababa area of Ethiopia before she unfortunately died.

In total Alene was victorious in 12 of her 27 marathons, with team-mates describing her as a 'generous friend' and 'determined athlete'. An unnamed Ethiopian coach told local news that they had not only lost a great athlete, but also a role model for young girls in the country".

Alene recorded a personal best time at the start of 2025, clocking 2:29:34, three months before her crowing moment in Stockholm.

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