Tadesse Abraham is set to retire from professional athletics after a stellar career, culminating in upcoming races in Sion and Zurich. At 43, he recently broke the Swiss marathon record in Valencia and has achieved remarkable feats, including being the only over-40 runner to complete a half marathon in under an hour. Transitioning to management, he plans to support fellow athletes while reflecting positively on his journey and the evolution of running gear throughout his career.
Tadesse Abraham’s Journey to Retirement
After an illustrious career, Tadesse Abraham is ready to embrace a more relaxed lifestyle. With a race lined up on Saturday covering 7 kilometers in Sion, followed by another 5.3 kilometers at the New Year’s run in Zurich on Sunday, he plans to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the cheers from the crowd. These events will mark the conclusion of his remarkable journey as a professional athlete, transitioning jogging into a leisurely pursuit.
A Record-Setting Career
Just a fortnight ago, Abraham was fully immersed in the competitive world of athletics. At the marathon in Valencia, he shattered the Swiss record, clocking in at an impressive 2:04:40. To put this achievement into perspective, only 18 athletes worldwide have outperformed him this year. At the age of 43, Abraham’s ability to enhance his personal best and secure a spot among the global elite is nothing short of extraordinary.
His prowess is further highlighted by two remarkable statistics: only one individual over 40 has achieved a faster marathon time—Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele, a three-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion. Additionally, Abraham stands alone as the only individual to have completed a half marathon in under an hour after turning 40.
Abraham’s journey began in 2004 when he represented Eritrea at the Cross World Championships in Brussels. Shortly after, he and a friend fled to Switzerland, where they discovered local athletics and began training with the club in Uster. Initially aspiring to be a cyclist, Abraham soon found himself deep in the world of running after his only bike broke, leading to daily runs of up to 20 kilometers at high altitudes.
Despite initial resistance from his father, who encouraged him to focus on academics, Abraham persevered, waking up early to train. His dedication paid off, as he eventually gained recognition through local races, showcasing that a career in sports was indeed possible.
In 2017, he proudly represented Switzerland and achieved international success, inspiring many in his hometown. The LC Uster became his athletic family, where he forged lifelong friendships. It was at a race in 2008 that he met his future wife, a Swiss citizen of Eritrean descent, which helped him secure citizenship a decade after his arrival.
Abraham’s relationship with Flavio Calligaris, whom he met after winning the Zurich Marathon in 2013, proved pivotal. Calligaris, who later took over Abraham’s public relations and facilitated sponsorships, has watched the athlete grow and evolve both personally and professionally.
As he transitions into management, Abraham’s future looks promising. He has taken on the responsibility of managing ten athletes from Ethiopia and Eritrea, demonstrating his commitment to supporting fellow runners. With a manager’s license from World Athletics and plans for collaboration with various brands, including On, Abraham is poised to make a significant impact in the sports community.
Throughout his career, Abraham has witnessed a transformative evolution in running footwear. Starting with traditional racing flats, he achieved remarkable milestones, including becoming the European half marathon champion in 2014 and winning silver in the marathon at the European Championships in 2016. With the advent of Nike’s Vaporfly and other carbon-plated shoes, Abraham adapted and improved his marathon record four times, showcasing the importance of proper equipment in elite athletics.
Now that he is retiring, Abraham reflects on his journey with satisfaction. While financial gains could be greater, he finds fulfillment in having accomplished his sporting aspirations and looks forward to what lies ahead. For Tadesse Abraham, the focus is no longer on monetary rewards but on a promising perspective for the future.