1. Early life and background
Miruts Yifter was born in Zalambessa in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. In his early youth, he engaged in various manual labor jobs, including working in different factories and serving as a carriage driver. His exceptional talent as a long-distance runner was recognized after he joined the Ethiopian Air Force, which provided him with the opportunity to develop his athletic abilities.
2. Running career
Miruts Yifter's running career was marked by both triumphs and challenges, showcasing his unique competitive style and resilience on the international stage.
2.1. Olympic debut and early achievements
Although Miruts Yifter was selected for the Ethiopian national team for the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, he ultimately made his Olympic debut four years later at the Munich Olympics. In Munich, he secured a bronze medal in the 10,000 metres event. However, he faced disappointment in the 5000 metres final, as he arrived too late to compete. Following his Olympic debut, Yifter continued to achieve success at continental competitions. At the 1973 All-Africa Games held in Lagos, he earned a gold medal in the 10,000 metres and a silver medal in the 5000 metres.
2.2. Major international competitions
Miruts Yifter's career was significantly impacted by political events when Ethiopia joined many other African nations in boycotting the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, preventing him from competing. However, he made a strong return at the 1st African Championships in Dakar, Senegal, where he won two gold medals in both the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres.
His most significant achievements came four years later at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, where he made up for his previous Olympic disappointment by winning gold in both the 10,000 metres and 5000 metres events. In the 10,000 metres final, Yifter launched a decisive sprint into the lead with 300 metres remaining, ultimately winning by a margin of 10 metres. Five days later, in the 5000 metres final, he found himself boxed in during the crucial last lap. However, with approximately 300 metres to go, his Ethiopian teammate, Mohamed Kedir, strategically stepped aside, allowing Yifter to unleash another powerful sprint to secure his second gold medal. Yifter continued to compete into the early 1980s, contributing to Ethiopia's gold medal-winning teams at the 1982 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and the 1983 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. From 1978 to 1982, he remained undefeated in international races, establishing himself as one of the premier long-distance runners of the late 1970s, often mentioned alongside athletes like Henry Rono. After his double gold medal victory in Moscow, Yifter famously stated, "I want to dedicate these gold medals to the youth of the world and the African continent."
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | African Championships | Dakar, Senegal | 1st | 5000 m | 14:14.0 |
| 1979 | African Championships | Dakar, Senegal | 1st | 10,000 m | 29:08.0 |
2.3. Running style and nickname
Miruts Yifter was renowned for his distinctive running style, which often involved conserving energy by staying in the pack until the final stages of a race. He would then unleash a sudden and powerful sprint in the last 300 to 400 metres, rapidly accelerating to overtake his competitors. This dynamic and decisive burst earned him the affectionate nickname "Yifter the Shifter." In Japan, his signature late-race surge was often referred to as "Yifter Spurt." Despite his dominance in races, this strategic approach, which prioritized winning over setting records, meant that he rarely achieved world records. It is also noted that while "Yifter" was his father's name, not a family name, the "Yifter Spurt" moniker became widely recognized.
2.4. Other notable achievements
Beyond his Olympic and championship successes, Miruts Yifter demonstrated his versatility and exceptional form in other events. On February 6, 1977, in Coamo, Puerto Rico, he set a World Best performance in the half marathon, completing the distance in 1:02:57.
2.5. Personal aspects and anecdotes
A recurring mystery throughout Miruts Yifter's career, particularly at the Moscow Olympics, was the uncertainty surrounding his exact age, with reports varying widely from 33 to 42 years old. Yifter famously refused to provide a definitive answer to media inquiries, offering a witty and memorable response: "Men may steal my chickens; men may steal my sheep. But no man can steal my age." While common versions of his birth date are January 1, 1938, or May 15, 1944, the ambiguity persisted.
Miruts Yifter's impact extended beyond his athletic achievements; he became an inspirational figure for a new generation of Ethiopian runners. Notably, the legendary Haile Gebrselassie cited Yifter as his hero, stating in an autobiographical video, "He's my hero. I started athletics after seeing him run!" This highlights Yifter's lasting legacy and his role in motivating future champions in Ethiopian athletics.
3. Personal best records
Miruts Yifter's personal best times in his primary events demonstrate his elite status as a long-distance runner.
| Event | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 5000 m | 13:13.82 | 1977 |
| 10,000 m | 27:40.96 | 1972 |
4. Death
Miruts Yifter passed away at the age of 72 on December 22, 2016, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he had resided since 2000. According to members of his family, he had been suffering from respiratory problems. His body was repatriated to Ethiopia and he was buried in Addis Ababa, within the cemetery of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
5. Assessment and influence
Miruts Yifter's career stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and strategic brilliance in long-distance running. His double gold medal victory at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, achieved through his distinctive late-race sprint, cemented his place in athletic history. Beyond his medals, Yifter's resilience in overcoming the boycott of the 1976 Olympics and his consistent dominance in international races from 1978 to 1982 underscore his enduring competitive spirit. He is celebrated as a national hero in Ethiopia, and his inspiring performances, particularly his unique "Yifter the Shifter" style, profoundly influenced subsequent generations of Ethiopian athletes, including the legendary Haile Gebrselassie, who regarded Yifter as his personal hero and motivation to pursue athletics. His legacy as a pioneer in Ethiopian long-distance running continues to inspire.