World Indoor Champion Samuel Tefera Joins Swiss Sportswear Brand On

Addis Ababa, June 4, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopian middle-distance star Samuel Tefera has recently signed with Swiss sportswear brand On, marking a new chapter in his professional career.

Sources close to the Swiss company told Fana Media Corporation that the 25-year-old athlete, who became the World Indoor 1500m Champion in 2018 at just 18, joins a growing roster of elite athletes backed by the performance-focused company.

Tefera made his debut wearing On gear during the 5000m event at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, finishing fourth with a time of 13:18.63.

Originally from Midakegn in the Oromia Region, Tefera’s running talent became evident in grade eight when he finished second in a race against much older and more experienced runners. That early success inspired him to pursue athletics more seriously, eventually winning regional competitions and joining a professional club in grade ten.

He first represented Ethiopia internationally at the 2017 World Championships in London. The following year, he won the 1500m gold at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham and, in 2019, set a new world indoor record of 3:31.04, breaking a 22-year-old mark.

Although an injury hampered his performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he returned to form by defending his world indoor title in 2022 in Belgrade, setting a new championship record of 3:32.77.

On’s Athlete Manager, Niklas Buehner, welcomed Tefera to the team, highlighting his talent and dedication. The partnership signals On’s continued investment in high-performance athletes as it expands its presence in global athletics.