From Tigray to Triumph: Eyeru Gebru's Journey to the Paris Olympics

Eyeru Gebru, a cyclist who fled the Tigray war, is set to compete in her dream Olympic race at the Paris 2024 Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. Born in Tigray in the mid-1990s, Gebru's passion for cycling began at a young age despite the challenges she faced, including the high cost of bikes which limited her access to the sport. At 16, she rented a bike and joined Ketema Axum Cycling club, where her journey began.

Gebru had to choose between her education and cycling, a decision made easier by the support of her mother and the inspiration from prominent African cyclists like Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Tsgabu Grmay.

Her cycling career took a significant hit with the outbreak of the Tigray war in November 2020. The conflict displaced millions and forced Gebru to flee, seeking asylum in Nice, France, after attending the 2021 World Championships in Belgium.

Despite not being able to compete professionally for two years, Gebru’s determination remained unwavering. With the help of a former coach and support from the International Olympic Committee's Refugee Athlete Scholarship, she found a new club in France and reignited her cycling career.

Gebru will represent over 100 million refugees worldwide in the women’s road race in Paris, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to compete in the Olympics. Although the 158km course does not favor her strengths as a climber, Gebru is committed to giving her best performance and making the most of her first Olympic experience.