Who Is Tirunesh Dibaba? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tirunesh Dibaba was born on October 1, 1985, making her 39 years old in 2025. Widely recognized for her astonishing achievements in long-distance running, Dibaba has earned the nickname "Baby Face" due to her youthful appearance and mesmerizing performances on the track. With numerous Olympic and World Championship medals to her credit, her biography is a testament to hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Read more about Tirunesh Dibaba on Wikipedia
| Occupation | Athlete |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1985 |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Birth Place | Bekoji, Arsi Province, Ethiopia |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Ethiopia |
Popularity
Tirunesh Dibaba's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At a height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and weighing approximately 110 lbs (50 kg), Tirunesh Dibaba possesses the ideal physique for a long-distance runner. Her well-maintained body is a result of rigorous training and a balanced diet that supports her high-performance lifestyle. With a focus on endurance, her meticulous attention to fitness helps her to maintain peak physical condition.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Tirunesh Dibaba is in a relationship with Ethiopian businessman and philanthropist Siraj Abed. The couple, who has been together since 2015, shares a strong bond and often supports each other in their respective careers. Dibaba is known for being private about her personal life, allowing her athletic accomplishments to take the forefront. However, her relationship with Siraj has garnered media attention due to their shared commitment to social causes in Ethiopia.
On 15 November, Tirunesh won the Zevenheuvelenloop 15 kilometres road race in Nijmegen, Netherlands in a world best time of 46:28. This bettered Kayoko Fukushi's previous world best by almost half a minute. (Tirunesh's record was broken by Florence Kiplagat on 15 February 2015.
) This was her first competitive road race since 2005, but she downplayed the idea of moving on to road running, stating that the track remained her priority. Her 5 kilometre splits were 15:58 – 15:25 – 15:05. She said, "Although I trained a lot together with my husband for this race, a roadrace is something different.
I did not know what I could expect. Therefore, I was not that fast in the beginning. ... After 10 kilometres, I pressed the pace and in the final three kilometres it felt like flying. It feels good as you hear after the finish that your husband also has won."
Net Worth and Salary
Tirunesh Dibaba's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $10 million. This substantial figure is a result of her successful athletic career, endorsements, and various business ventures. Dibaba has secured sponsorships from top brands in sportswear and health, which contribute significantly to her earnings. Her dedication to the sport and her ability to transcend it into lucrative partnerships have positioned her as one of the highest-earning female athletes in Ethiopia.
Tirunesh won five of the six Golden League 5000 metre races, which earned her a bonus of US$83,333. She also won the 5000 metres at the World Athletics Final. Tirunesh and Meseret Defar raced against each other in five of those seven races, with Tirunesh winning four times.
Career, Business and Investments
Dibaba's running career has been nothing short of phenomenal, with her first major breakthrough at the 2003 World Championships, where she won gold in the 5000 meters. She continued to excel, becoming a three-time Olympic champion and setting multiple world records throughout her career. As of 2025, she is transitioning into coaching and mentoring young athletes, aiming to cultivate a new generation of runners.
In addition to her running career, Dibaba has made significant investments in sports academies in Ethiopia, focusing on nurturing local talent and providing resources to aspiring athletes. She is also involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting health and educational initiatives for underprivileged communities in her homeland.
She is of Oromo descent. She began competing in athletics at the age of 14. She was raised in the high-altitude Arsi Zone in Oromia, Ethiopia but has lived in Addis Ababa, the capital, since 2000.
Social Network
Tirunesh Dibaba maintains a strong presence on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. With millions of followers, she shares insights into her training regimen, personal life, and advocacy for health and fitness. Her social media accounts serve as an inspiration for budding athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, providing a glimpse into her journey both on and off the track.
Education
Tirunesh Dibaba has a strong educational background that complements her athletic career. She attended the University of Addis Ababa, where she studied Sports Science. This academic foundation has not only contributed to her athletic success but also enhances her capabilities as a coach and mentor, enabling her to help young athletes achieve their dreams effectively.
At the 2005 IAAF World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, Tirunesh became the first woman to win the 5000 m and 10000 m at the same championship. She is the one of two women (the other Sonia O'Sullivan) who won the short and long course World Cross Country title at the same championship (2005 in Saint-Galmier, France).
With her 2003 World championship title, she became the youngest World Champion at the age of 18 years and 90 days.
