14 Facts About Yonas Kifle

Yonas Andebrhan Kifle was born on 5 November 1977 and is an Eritrean runner who specializes in the 10,000 metres, the marathon and cross-country running.

Yonas Kifle has represented Eritrea at the Olympics on four occasions; in 2000,2004,2008 and 2012.

Yonas Kifle has competed at World Championship-level in cross country, road running, and on the track indoors and outdoors.

Yonas Kifle was the bronze medallist in the half marathon at the 2007 All-Africa Games and the 2005 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.

Yonas Kifle made his first international appearance for Eritrea at the age of 21, running in the 3000 metres at the 1999 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Yonas Kifle finished in last place and was over twenty seconds behind the rest of the runners.

Yonas Kifle won the Cursa de Bombers 10K in Spain that year.

Yonas Kifle made the top ten at both the 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and 2006 IAAF World Road Running Championships.

Yonas Kifle had some of his best half marathon performances in 2007, including a bronze medal at the 2007 All-Africa Games and set a significant personal best of 59:30 minutes to take fifth at the 2007 IAAF World Road Running Championships.

Yonas Kifle attempted his first Olympic marathon at the 2008 Beijing Games, but he could only manage 36th place overall.

Yonas Kifle was seventh for a second year running at the 2009 London Marathon having finished in 2:08:28.

Yonas Kifle ran at the 2010 London Marathon and finished in ninth place with a time of 2:14:39, behind compatriot Zersenay Tadese.

Yonas Kifle was chosen to compete at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, but he failed to finish the men's marathon race.

Yonas Kifle ran his best time since 2009 at the 2012 Seoul International Marathon and he was the only non-Kenyan runner to feature in the top ten.