Ethiopian shepherd becomes Australia’s marathon record holder
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Haftu Strintzos, born in Ethiopia, recently became Australia’s men’s marathon record holder after a childhood spent herding goats and sheep in the mountains of Tigray, a region in northern Ethiopia.
He lived in a remote community without electricity or running water, receiving information only through a mobile phone until age 10. Haftu lost his parents young and was raised by his maternal grandmother and aunt.
In 2007, Greek Australian aid worker Maria Strintzos met Haftu and, after years of working in Ethiopia providing famine relief and other aid, adopted him, bringing him to Melbourne, Australia in 2011. He quickly learned five languages and earned a Master of Electrical Engineering degree. Maria noticed Haftu’s quiet seriousness and strong work ethic while he cared for his grandmother.
Haftu discovered his talent for running at school and now trains up to 190 kilometers a week with coach Adam Didyk. He broke the Australian marathon record in July, running the Gold Coast Marathon in two hours, six minutes and 20 seconds. Didyk believes Haftu has the potential to compete successfully at the Olympics and World Championships, citing his mental strength and ability to finish races strongly. Haftu hopes to continue breaking records and represent Australia on the world stage.
