Lelisa Desisa
An Ethiopian marathoner whose graceful stride carried him to multiple major marathon wins and a poignant act of global solidarity.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Ethiopian long-distance runner·Birthday: January 14·Millennials
Biography
Lelisa Desisa announced himself to the long-distance world not with a whisper, but a roar, winning the 2013 Dubai Marathon in a blistering time. Just months later, he captured the Boston Marathon title in a race forever shadowed by the tragic finish line bombings. In a gesture that transcended sport, Desisa returned his winner's medal to the city of Boston, a symbol of shared grief and resilience. This moment defined his career as much as his victories. A consistent force on the World Marathon Majors circuit, he claimed a second Boston crown in 2015 and a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships. Known for his smooth, efficient running style and tactical patience, Desisa was a champion who understood the weight of the platform his speed provided.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lelisa was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lelisa Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Lelisa's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Boston Marathon twice, in 2013 and 2015.
- Secured the silver medal in the marathon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha.
- Victorious at the 2013 Dubai Marathon in a then-course record time of 2:04:45.
- Won the 2018 New York City Half Marathon.
Did You Know?
He donated his 2013 Boston Marathon winner's medal back to the city as a tribute to the bombing victims.
Desisa won the 10,000 meters gold medal at the 2009 African Junior Athletics Championships.
He is known for training in groups with other elite Ethiopian runners around Sululta and Sendafa, high-altitude towns near Addis Ababa.
“I gave my medal back to the city; Boston's strength is forever.”
