“We have lost a great athlete and an inspiration for young girls,” said a local Ethiopian coach, his voice heavy with grief after the sudden passing of marathon star Shewarge Alene. Having already conquered the global stage, Alene’s eyes were fixed on her next big goal, the 2026 Marathon Mania. But fate had other plans. During what seemed like an ordinary morning training session in Addis Ababa, tragedy struck. She was rushed to the hospital, but the nation’s brightest hope was gone. Ethiopia woke up to heartbreak, losing not only a champion but also a symbol of ambition.

Back in May, Shewarge Alene stormed to victory at the Stockholm Marathon, crossing the finish line with her arms outstretched in triumph. She celebrated in style, clocking a record 2:30:38, proof that she was only just entering her prime. But just as her star was beginning to shine its brightest, tragedy struck. Stockholm Marathon’s official page expressed the heartbreak, writing: “It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Shewarge Alene, winner of the Adidas Stockholm Marathon 2025.”

They further added, “Shewarge Alene felt unwell during a training session and was taken to the hospital, where, unfortunately, her life could not be saved. She was 30 years old. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.” The athlete was training in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, when she suddenly felt unwell and was rushed to the hospital. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, she could not be saved and took her last breath at the age of 30.

Shewarge Alene’s journey began back in her country, Ethiopia, but her dreams carried her across the world. As a teenager, the athlete moved to New York City to chase her dream of becoming a professional sprinter, and what followed was nothing short of remarkable. The athlete has competed in 26 international marathons, winning 12 of them and securing nine additional podium finishes.

Her crowning moment was back in Stockholm, when she crossed the line in celebration. Yet her fastest time was set two years earlier at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, where she clocked 2:27:26 for a hard-fought third place. This season, she set her personal best of 2:29:34 at the Tata Mumbai Marathon in January. Her sudden passing has cast a shadow of sorrow and melancholy over her nation. Let’s take a look at what the fans have to say.

Track and field fans react to Shewarge Alene’s unfortunate passing

It was a sudden shock to the community, especially for Ethiopian fans. She recently won two events in Mexico, where she resided, having also previously lived in New York. One saddened fan revealed, “Shocking! She has been in Mexico recently and won several races, just as she had for many years. May her soul rest in eternal peace.” Alene had recently been training in Addis Ababa after competing in the Medio Maratón Villahermosa and the Carrera del Día del Padre.

She looked set to achieve even more, and her sudden demise was something no one had anticipated. Another fan expressed heartfelt sorrow: “RIP my friend, I can’t believe you are no more. May God give strength to the family in these tough moments.” One fan even mentioned how sometimes over exertion and long training hours often cause alarming health concerns to athletes. Citing the same, he expressed, “RIP legend. Eish, athletes are dying at an alarming rate. More especially long-distance runners—I think they overwork themselves by training too much.” Though the reasons behind Alene’s sudden demise are still unclear, fans are anticipating that the cause might be associated with her extensive training.

Teammates described her as a “determined athlete” and “generous friend” who always encouraged others. Numerous runners from Africa and Europe also paid tribute to Alene on social media as an “inspiration” and “extraordinary fighter”. The organizers of the Stockholm Marathon condoled with her family and remembered her achievements.