The tenure of Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis as president of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee has been marred by controversy, raising serious concerns about his leadership and the future of Ethiopian athletics. His narrow view of his role, focusing solely on logistics, is alarming and demonstrates a lack of understanding of the scope and responsibilities of his position.
Lack of Athletic Background and Controversial Past
Dr. Ashebir’s leadership has raised questions about his qualifications, particularly given his lack of athletic background. His tenure as president of the Ethiopian Football (Soccer) Federation was marred by controversy, and he failed to bring unity to the organization. Unfortunately, this pattern of controversy and failure to deliver results has continued during his time as Ethiopian Olympic Committee president.
Unsatisfactory Performance
Dr. Ashebir downplayed the disappointing performance of Ethiopian athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suggesting that the Olympics are about participation, not winning. This perspective is unacceptable and disregards the dedication and hard work of athletes striving for excellence.
Declining Medal Count
Under Dr. Ashebir’s leadership, the Ethiopian athletes’ performance in the last two Olympics has been disappointing. The declining medal count is a clear indication of his ineffective leadership.
Analysis of Dr. Ashebir’s Justification
Dr. Ashebir’s explanation for the large number of delegates and his decision to bring his daughter as his personal assistant raises several concerns, including questionable ratio, lack of transparency, and potential abuse of power.
Additional Concerns
The revelation that Dawit Asfaw, the Secretary General of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee, also brought his daughter as his personal assistant raises further concerns about nepotism, lack of accountability, abuse of power, conflict of interest, and a culture of entitlement.
Urgent Need for Reform
The writer, LJDemissie, can be reached at LJDemissie@yahoo.com or @LJDemissie on Twitter.
The Olympics is over now and the excitement has come to an end. Our athletes from the four Horn of Africa countries have excellent prospects in the next 2028 Olympics scheduled in LA. With sea level altitude, low humidity and dew point, they gonna own the middle and long distance races. They will be masters of the field. Eritrea, you gonna own it! Ethiopia, you gonna own it! Djibouti, you gonna own it! Somalia, you gonna own it!!! Let’s hope and pray that we all will still be around to enjoy the triumphs by our daughters/sons and granddaughters/grandsons! I see you then!!! Insha’Allah!!!