Orphaned by war, Italian distance runner Yemaneberhan Crippa continues to make waves in the athletics world, marking a bold new chapter in his career. After a significant career move, he has signed with Swiss sportswear brand On Running, joining the ranks of elite athletes like two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri. This partnership is a major milestone for Crippa, who is known for holding Italian records in the 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, and half-marathon distances. His decision to join On Running comes at a pivotal time as the 2025 road running season begins to heat up, and he is eager to showcase his talent while wearing the brand’s innovative footwear.
Crippa’s journey to success is remarkable. Born in Dessie, a city in northeastern Ethiopia, he was orphaned by the Eritrean-Ethiopian war at a young age. His family was torn apart, and he, along with his siblings, was sent to an orphanage in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. At just seven years old, he and five of his siblings were adopted by an Italian couple and moved to a small village in Trent, Italy. Despite his early challenges, Crippa’s athletic abilities began to shine through, and his natural talent for running soon became evident.
Initially, Crippa had a passion for football, but it was his running skills that set him apart. He eventually shifted his focus to athletics, and his dedication to the sport paid off. His international debut came at the 2018 European Championships in Amsterdam, where he finished in eighth place in the 5000m. This was just the beginning of what would become a stellar career.
Crippa’s achievements on the track have been nothing short of impressive. He is the reigning Italian record holder in the 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, and half-marathon distances. In 2022, he earned a gold medal in the 10,000m at the European Championships in Munich, cementing his status as one of Europe’s top distance runners. In 2024, he added to his list of accomplishments by winning the half-marathon at the European Championships in Rome. Additionally, Crippa is the second fastest Italian to ever run a marathon, having clocked an impressive 2:06.06 at the Sevilla Marathon in 2024.
With his sights set on further international success, Crippa’s partnership with On Running is poised to propel him to new heights. The athlete expressed his excitement upon signing the deal, stating, “I’m really excited to partner with On, such an innovative and forward-thinking brand that truly understands and supports its athletes. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.” On Running’s Athlete Manager, Niklas Bühner, also shared his enthusiasm about Crippa joining the team, praising his exceptional work ethic and dedication to excellence. Bühner expressed confidence that Crippa would be a valuable addition to the team and that On Running would support him in achieving his goals.
Crippa’s story is one of resilience and determination, as he has overcome significant adversity to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His adoption by an Italian family and his eventual rise to prominence in distance running serve as a testament to his perseverance and the transformative power of sport. As he prepares for his official debut with On Running at the Edreams Barcelona Half Marathon on February 16, Crippa is poised to continue his journey of breaking records and inspiring others with his story of triumph over hardship.
