Last year, the born Eritrean finished tenth in Rotterdam (2.09.45). During the Valencia marathon – only his third marathon ever – he ran his old personal top time of 2.06.42 at the end of last year.
This makes him the fastest Dutchman in the marathon after Abdi Nageeye, who did not start in Rotterdam this year. Defending champion Khalid Choukoud was also not at the start at the Erasmus Bridge on Sunday.
Noah Schutte was the second Dutchman to cross the finish line and took silver. He recorded 2.09.28. Gianluca Assorgia, also from Den Helder, came third (2.12.43).
Still a welder two years ago
Two years ago, Filmon Tesfu combined his life as a top athlete with his job as a welder. Still, he decided to concentrate fully on his sport.
Last December, NH Sport visited Tesfu. There he talked about his life in Den Helder and his love for his ‘bonus mothers’. Watch the report below.