The “gear shifter” passes away in Toronto

The “gear shifter” passes away in Toronto The legendary athlete Mirutse Yifter, known affectionately also as “the gear shifter” has died at the age of 74 while receiving medical treatment in Toronto, Canada.  The former Ethiopian athlete and winner of two historic gold medals at the 1980 Summer Moscow Olympics in 5000 and 10,000 meters distance competitions, was ailing from a

collapsed lung in a Toronto hospital during the last few months. Yifter was called to the Ethiopian national team for the 1968 summer olympic in Mexico City, but he made his Olympic debut four years later in Munich Olympic where he won a bronze medal in 10000 meters. However, he arrived too late for the 5000 meters final.

In the 1973 all-Africa games he won one gold medal (10,000 m) and one silver (5000 m). At the 1st African Championship in 1979 he won two gold medals (5000 and 10,000 metres).

Yifter was unable to participate in the 1976 Summer Olympic because his nation boycotted the event. Four years later in Moscow, Yifter made up for his disappointments. In the final of the 10,000 m he sprinted into the lead 300 m from the finish and won by ten metres.

Five days later, in the 5000 m final, Yifter was boxed in during the last lap. But with 300 m to go, his Ethiopian teammate, Mohamed Kedir, stepped aside and Yifter again sprinted to victory. Due to his abrupt change in speed when executing his kick to the finish, Yifter acquired the nickname "Yifter the Shifter."

The gear shifter shall remain a legendary icon for young athletes in Ethiopia, Africa and the rest of the world thanks to his towering victories.