‘On’ Signs Multiple Italian Record Holder Yemaneberhan Crippa

Four times Italian Record holder, Yemaneberhan Crippa is the latest catch for the Swiss sportswear brand On.

The 28 year-old who was orphaned by the Ethiopian war at a young age, is the reigning Italian record holder in the 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, and half-marathon distances, has been signed by ‘On’ as the latest long distance runner to its roster of elite athletes.

Crippa has left his mark on the world stage, winning gold at the 2022 European Championships in Munich in the 10,000m and in the half-marathon distance in 2024 at his home European Championships in Rome. Crippa currently holds the Italian records for the 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m and half-marathon distances and is the second fastest Italian to ever run a marathon, clocking an impressive 02:06.06 at the Sevilla Marathon in 2024.

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 On his decision to join On, Crippa said: “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.”

Niklas Bühner, Athlete Manager at On, was equally enthusiastic about Crippa’s decision to join the On Team: “Yeman is an exceptional athlete with an incredible work ethic and a true passion for the sport. His dedication to excellence aligns perfectly with On’s values, and we are confident that he will be a fantastic addition to our team. We are looking forward to supporting him in his journey and dreaming together.”

From Ethiopia to Trento, Italy, to the World Stage

Crippa was born in Dessie, in north-eastern Ethiopia, growing up with his family until the Eritrean-Ethopia war tore his family apart. Orphaned by the war, Crippa and some of his brothers and sisters were moved to an orphanage in the capital of Addis Ababa. At seven years old, he and five of his siblings were adopted by an Italian couple and moved to a small village in Trent.

 Originally interested in football, Crippa soon realized that his running abilities outshone his footballing skills, and he decided to put his energy and talent into running. He celebrated his international senior debut at the European Championships in Amsterdam in 2018, finishing in eighth place in the 5000m.

 Crippa will make his official debut for On at the Edreams Barcelona Half Marathon on February 16th.