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Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese has died at the age of 36 after falling ill during a routine training session on Tuesday, the country’s athletics federation has announced.<\/b><\/p>\n
Melese, the winner of marathons in Houston, Prague and Shanghai, had been preparing for a race in Ottawa on 24 May.<\/p>\n
According to local media reports, she experienced a sudden medical emergency in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.<\/p>\n
She was rushed to hospital but died despite the efforts of medical staff.<\/p>\n
No further details have been made public.<\/p>\n
“The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and offers condolences to her family, friends and fans,” the governing body said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Melese’s most recent competitive outing came in a marathon in Beijing, which she failed to finish, in May last year.<\/p>\n
Her best result in one of the seven World Marathon Majors came in 2015 – the same year as her victories in Houston and Prague – when she finished second in the Chicago Marathon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n