The Dibaba Dynasty: Ethiopia’s Fastest Family on the World Stage

A legendary lineage from Bekoji that redefined middle- and long-distance running

The Dibaba sisters stand as one of the most extraordinary families in the history of athletics, earning global recognition as the “fastest family on Earth.”

Hailing from Bekoji, Ethiopia—a high-altitude town famed for producing elite runners—the family has dominated middle- and long-distance events for decades, collecting Olympic and World Championship medals across generations.

At the heart of the dynasty is Tirunesh Dibaba, widely regarded as the most decorated of them all. Nicknamed the “Baby-faced Destroyer,” she claimed multiple Olympic gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m and set world records that cemented her legacy. Her sister Ejegayehu Dibaba added to the family’s success with an Olympic silver medal in the 10,000m and later transitioned into a strong marathon career.

Genzebe Dibaba brought a new dimension to the family’s dominance, excelling in the 1,500m with blistering speed, world titles, and multiple world records. Anna Dibaba also contributed to the family’s remarkable athletic lineage, reinforcing the depth of talent within the household. Their cousin, Derartu Tulu, a trailblazer and double Olympic champion, laid the foundation for Ethiopian women on the global stage.

Together, the Dibaba family’s legacy showcases endurance, tactical brilliance, and Ethiopia’s unmatched distance-running tradition.