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Ethiopia's Cross Country Team Faces Visa Crisis Ahead of World Championships

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 22:48 GMT by The New York Times

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Bathurst, Gambia - January 10th, 2026 - Just days before the highly anticipated World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Gambia, a significant crisis is unfolding for Ethiopia's elite cross-country running team. Several key athletes are facing crippling visa delays, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their participation and potentially impacting Ethiopia's chances of success in a competition they've historically dominated.

The situation, which has been brewing for weeks, stems from a frustrating combination of complex bureaucratic processes and apparent communication breakdowns between the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) and the Gambian embassy. These delays mean that athletes, who were scheduled to depart this week, remain stranded, their travel plans in a state of agonizing limbo.

Ethiopia boasts a rich and storied history in cross-country running, consistently producing medal-winning athletes in both the men's and women's categories at international competitions. These athletes are not just national heroes; they are considered strong contenders for podium finishes in Bathurst. The prospect of them being unable to compete due to administrative hurdles is a source of considerable frustration and disappointment for fans, coaches, and officials alike.

"We've been battling this for weeks," confided a high-ranking EAF official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. "The visa application process is remarkably convoluted, and we've experienced miscommunications and a general lack of clarity between our federation and the Gambian embassy. We're pulling out all the stops to rectify the situation, but with the championships rapidly approaching, every minute counts."

The recurring nature of this problem underscores a broader issue affecting athletes from numerous African nations. Similar visa challenges have previously hampered participation in international sporting events, prompting calls for a complete overhaul of the system and improved cooperation between sporting organizations and diplomatic missions. It highlights a stark contrast between the global ambition of athletes and the often-rigid realities of international travel.

World Athletics, the governing body for track and field, has responded to the crisis with concern. They are reportedly actively engaging with both the Ethiopian and Gambian governments, attempting to expedite the visa process and find a resolution before the competition begins. However, the short timeframe - with the championships scheduled for January 12th - leaves little room for maneuver.

The impact extends beyond the athletes themselves. Coaches are unable to adequately prepare their teams without certainty regarding travel. Families are filled with anxiety, desperately awaiting news of their loved ones' ability to compete. The psychological toll of this uncertainty on the athletes, knowing their dreams could be derailed by paperwork, is immeasurable.

While the exact number of athletes affected hasn't been officially released, sources within the EAF confirm it includes several key medal prospects. This situation raises crucial questions about the accessibility of international sport for athletes from developing nations and the need for more streamlined and equitable processes. The incident also shines a spotlight on the responsibility of governing bodies to not only promote athletic excellence but also to ensure that logistical and administrative barriers don't prevent talented athletes from realizing their potential on the world stage. The hope remains that a swift and decisive resolution can be found, allowing Ethiopia's runners to take their place among the world's best in Bathurst.

This incident serves as a stark reminder that sporting achievements are often intertwined with complex geopolitical realities and the often-unpredictable nature of international diplomacy. The world will be watching to see if a solution can be reached in time to save Ethiopia's championship hopes.