While four Ethiopians finished among the top 5 in the women’s 5000m event at the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, Likina Amebaw lately outclassed others to lift the historic title on Sunday night.
In the last 300 meters, Likina completely dominated, as the last 2-3 laps had no competition. Although Jessica Hull from Australia produced her personal best with 14:32.39 minutes, it was far from enough to lift the title, as Likina finished her race in 14:30.36. Once the Ethiopian got a strong lead, she never fell behind in her mission.
Ethiopians Fantaye Belayneh (14:32.62), Freweyni Hailu (14:32.76), and Aleshign Baweke (14:32.95) managed the next three places. Senayet Getachew (14:38.65) and Hirut Meshesha (14:42.49) were the other two Ethiopians in that event, who finished in seventh and ninth places, respectively.
Also, the sixth-placed Rose Davies (14:35.64) from Australia and the 10th-placed Marta Garcia (14:43.94) from Spain secured their season-best finishes.
2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship: Women’s 5000m – Champion
Likina Amebaw (Ethiopia): 14:30.36
2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship: Women’s 5000m – Final Status
Rank | Athlete (Nation) | Time | Notes |
1 | Likina Amebaw (Ethiopia) | 14:30.36 | |
2 | Jessica Hull (Australia) | 14:32.39 | PB |
3 | Fantaye Belayneh (Ethiopia) | 14:32.62 | |
4 | Freweyni Hailu (Ethiopia) | 14:32.76 | |
5 | Aleshign Baweke (Ethiopia) | 14:32.95 | |
6 | Rose Davies (Australia) | 14:35.64 | SB |
7 | Senayet Getachew (Ethiopia) | 14:38.65 | |
8 | Maureen Koster (Netherlands) | 14:38.78 | |
9 | Hirut Meshesha (Ethiopia) | 14:42.49 | |
10 | Marta García (Spain) | 14:43.94 | SB |
11 | Hannah Nuttall (Great Britain) | 15:00.04 | |
12 | Shelby Houlihan (United States) | 15:18.65 |
*SB = Season Best for an athlete; PB = Personal Best for an athlete
Who is Likina Amebaw?
Last week, Likina Amebaw from Ethiopia finished as the runner-up in the 2026 Diamond League Final in Brussels.