“If you want to win a race, try the 100 meters. If you want to live an experience, run a marathon.” In the words of Emil Zátopek, the ‘Human Locomotive’ who redefined athletic excellence in the post-war era, lies the very essence of Yeman Crippa today.

From the football fields framed by the natural skylines of Trentino to the cobblestone tracks, asphalt roads, and urban marathon landscapes, with the tartan and cross-country terrain in between, Yemaneberhan (meaning ‘God’s right hand’), is not simply embracing a new sporting challenge in the long-distance races—already crowned by a memorable European gold in the Stadio Olimpico of Rome—but is also taking a decisive step towards completeness. Both human and athletic.

The 28-year-old, shaped by the Ethiopian highlands of Wallo and raised by the Crippa family, alongside his siblings, in the 233-resident village of Montagne, has entered a new existential phase: a dimension marked by a profound understanding of himself and a deep, far-from-ordinary love for running. This development intertwines body and mind, rooted principles with new chapters—both professional and personal.

Among the standout elements is the prestigious partnership with the Swiss brand On, which, starting in 2025—specifically at the eDreams Half Marathon in Barcelona on February 16—will join forces with Italy’s second-fastest marathoner of all time (with a personal best of 2:06:06), accompanying his contemporary and future journey. A journey that, now more than ever, is sharply focused. Let’s explore why.

Let’s start with your relationship with running. How has its essence changed over time?

“I was actually talking about this today with my training partners. We sometimes joke among ourselves, reflecting on how tough our sport is: so much suffering, so much time spent alone, so much repetition… I come from football, so from a different environment, a team sport where there’s a lot of room for fun. Right now, however, I have to admit that I’m genuinely happy to be running. It’s become more and more of a passion. Now I don’t just run for results; I do it because I feel that running has entered my life. It keeps growing deep inside me. My sport makes me feel good, even during the hardest moments. When I left football, I did so rationally, thinking about how I could best develop my future. I knew athletics could become my profession, but at the time, I didn’t particularly enjoy running—at least not that much. Over the years, everything has changed; the value, the effect running has on me, has completely transformed. I’ll go even further—since I started focusing on the marathon, these feelings have grown exponentially. Just three or four years ago, there were moments when I questioned why I ran every day, why I had chosen such a demanding job. Now, I’m proud and happy. I believe this evolution mirrors my personal growth. I feel like I’ve become a man. Sport has helped me in this regard: living athletics, sharing thoughts with its other protagonists, traveling the world… These are all things that make you reflect a lot on what you’re doing, as well as what you would be doing without athletics. I’ve come to realize that I’m privileged, that I’ve created a kind of rare fortune and freedom through hard work.”

We’ve mentioned Zátopek’s words: in your case, what does the experience of long-distance running represent?

“It’s the final chapter of a journey that began with the very origins of my relationship with athletics. It’s been a progression: first, the 1500m and 3000m, then my coaches suggested I try the 5000m and 10,000m. I approached these distances gradually. I’ve always trusted the opinions of those who are truly close to me, and they’ve never hesitated to encourage me to embrace new experiences. For that reason, I decided to see if the marathon could be part of my future. Naturally, doubts and fears crept in, especially the fear that I might not be able to turn back if something went wrong… But I gave it a shot, and since my debut, both the sensations and results have only improved. Of course, individual races can go well or poorly, but now I know this is my path, a path that still has so much to teach me.”

Speaking of chapters, you’re now embarking on a new one alongside On. What factors led you to make this choice?

“Out of many offers, I chose this brand because they’ve created a project specifically for me, my coach, and my training partners. On’s availability and vision captivated me from the start: they want to help me grow, and they want to grow together. They never made me feel like ‘just another athlete’; they didn’t just hand me a pair of shoes and ask me to run. With them, I feel at the center of attention, I feel that they want to work in synergy to help me achieve great results. There’s constant communication, and I really enjoy being involved in processes I’ve never experienced before. With the On team, I share feedback on shoes and apparel, communicate ideas and opinions. It’s a valuable sign of openness, of a genuine desire to grow together. The fact that they’ve supported my project in Trento, backing my coach and training partners, was another fantastic step in our synergy. I believe my personal growth has also played a role in this decision. Just a few years ago, I wouldn’t have given such considerations much thought. Now, I’m happy to think on multiple levels, to understand what’s truly right for me. I’m proud to grow with On and, at the same time, help grow a brand that truly values me.”

In a recent interview, you emphasized how your parents taught you what life is all about. What are the key values they instilled in you?

“I’m incredibly grateful to my parents. First and foremost, because they brought me and my siblings—eight children from Ethiopia—to Trentino, and with a lot of sacrifice, they gave us the opportunity to grow up in the best possible way. We didn’t have all the comforts that an only child might have. They taught us to earn everything, not to complain about trivial things, and to care for others. Above all, they taught us the value of hard work and to be grateful for the everyday things life gives us. These are principles I still follow today. Many people ask me why I don’t complain about my training or why I don’t make a fuss during weeks of heavy load… I think it’s a result of the mix between my character and both the moral and human direction my parents gave me. Even though my dad has a football background, over time, he has become absolutely passionate about athletics. He even ends up acting like a coach. It frustrates me at times, but then we laugh about it. Let’s just say we have some positive debates (he smiles). He’s there at every race, whether it’s in America or Europe, and my entire family tries to follow me as much as possible. I love feeling them close.”

You’ve often emphasized the importance of staying focused and not letting your thoughts wander during races. However, marathons take you through breathtaking landscapes. Do you ever find time during a race to lift your gaze and, even for just a few seconds, take in the surroundings around your athletic performance?

“I’m currently going through a mental coaching process, and one of the main focuses is staying as concentrated as possible during every race. Whether it’s the 100 meters or a marathon, the more you cut out external distractions and mental wanderings, the better you perform. It’s extremely difficult, though, to stay focused all the time, especially during a marathon. The crowd, the surroundings, the competitors… The key is recognizing when your mind starts drifting, accepting the moment, and bringing yourself back to the task at hand. The more focused you are, the less energy you waste. The more present you are, the better you can manage and respond to the actions of your opponents. It’s tough, but the secret is staying focused on what you’re doing: on your breath, on your pacing, and, at most, on the runner ahead of you. I train by doing exercises that build my confidence. I listen to my breath, try to control it, and work on my level of concentration. For this kind of mental dynamic, the race is the best training ground. The best at managing focus are often the best athletes in the world: I believe the main difference between them and others lies right here.”

In Italy, you’ve become a virtuous symbol for society as a whole. What kind of emotions and, perhaps, pressures do you feel knowing that your athletic achievements serve as positive examples for many young people who are going through similar or parallel paths to yours? Do these factors influence your performances?

“It’s wonderful to be a symbol for my city and represent so many Italians who follow me. Until a few years ago, athletics was not widely recognized, but now it’s gaining the attention of a broader audience. It feels great to be acknowledged and supported by so many Italians, and it’s amazing to be an example for younger generations. Like many other Azzurri athletes, I don’t strive to set an example for them. It’s a natural process. The dedication I put into my work and the results that follow aren’t motivated by a desire to ‘be noticed’—that will never be the driving force. When results come in, people start to learn about your journey, your past, its highs and lows, and for some, you might even become an icon. I feel zero pressure. I see it as a beautiful thing. Then, when you’re competing in Rome, perhaps at a European Championship, the only risk is that people might take your success for granted. Victory is never automatic. We need to educate others on the value of every race: each challenge is different, especially in a marathon, where the variables are endless. If you win and then finish third the next time, it doesn’t mean you’ve suddenly lost your ability. We’re surrounded by incredibly capable athletes, and every race is a new challenge. The key is to always bring the same level of dedication.”