Lilesa set to take part in Dubai Marathon

Ethiopian had been in exile since making anti-government gesture at Rio 2016

Ethiopia’s controversial Olympic silver medallist Feyisa Lilesa will make a welcome return when he lines up in the elite field at the 2019 Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon on January 25.

The 28-year-old had been in exile in the US since making an anti-government gesture while crossing the finish line and clinching the marathon silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

But after his recent return to Ethiopia following the election of a new reformist government, the Olympian — who won half marathons in New York and Bogota during his exile in the USA — has returned to training and set his sights on once again competing at the highest level, starting with his first appearance at the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon since finishing fourth in 2015.

“It has been a difficult time for Feyisa but we are delighted he has chosen to compete in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon,” said event director Peter Connerton.