GUAVO SPONSOR MESSAGE:
Like Usain Bolt, Tameru can also say he is the Fastest Man on Earth… but ON CRUTCHES!
This week, in the small town of Furth in Germany he ran the fastest 100m on Earth… but it was not in an athletics stadium and there weren’t the crowds of people the likes of Usain Bolt would expect.
credit: TIG Media
credit: TIG Media
Tameru Zegeye is a disabled circus athlete with incredible drive, spirit and unique physical abilities. In fact he is on a mission to show the world that he is far from the title of being ‘Disabled’ and so he has run the fastest 100m whilst balancing on the crutches that support him in his daily life. He set a time of 57 seconds whilst running in his unique style balanced fully on the crutches.
“One by one I am achieving my dreams, and in my life I have personally achieved lots despite many struggles. This is my dream to be an official world record holder and I want to show the world that even if I am disabled, I can do amazing things!” said Tameru after setting this new record.
“I am talented like my hero Usain Bolt even, because he can run the fastest 100m with his legs, and I can do the same whilst balanced upright on my crutches. I would love for him to see and enjoy what I have done because he is so great!”
credit: TIG Media
You could say Tameru Zegeye’s early life didn’t start off on the right foot.
When his father was preparing for marriage to another woman, his then 16-year old mother worked as a servant for his grandfather. The accidental pregnancy went unnoticed and his father was married five months later. Tameru was born with deformed legs and both feet ineffective stumps turned inwards. His mother abandoned him after three months in the care of his grandfather.
You could say Tameru Zegeye’s life didnít start off on any feet!
“When I was born my mother said I was cursed and carried the devil!” he explains.
“My grandfather saved my life. He said every human had the right to a life and his words are probably what has made me feel like I can achieve anything!”
News of his incredible life and unique physical abilities made the headlines worldwide in early 2013 and audiences have since marveled at his unique circus abilities that he has honed himself over time by indulging in grueling training sessions every single day. Even when he had little means of income when he lived in his former hometown in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and sometimes wasn’t even able to afford food, he kept himself focused by honing his circus skills… something that has been his long passion and has encouraged him to keep his spirits up and continue fighting against all of life’s struggles he has encountered.
credit: TIG Media
Tameru is now living in Furth in Germany and is going through the asylum process after issues of suffering discrimination from various factions in Ethiopia but he does not blame people for their misconceptions around his disabilities as has encountered this all of his life, even since his birth.
Tameru is a fighter and he has come a long way in his personal life in just one year. He has most recently worked with professional traveling circus groups in Africa and he now has his sights set on fulfilling his dream of working with a big European Circus, or even Cirque Du Soleil who he is a huge fan of.
“This is just one small insight into my abilities that I can do which I have not seen anyone else do ever. I want to show the world my skills and I will continue working hard with my training every day. I am my own coach, but maybe professionals will like what I do and can help me more to achieve even more with my ability. One day then I will work with Cirque Du Soleil maybe!”
Tameru’s latest stunt for running the fastest 100m whilst balanced on his crutches will also be featured on a national German TV channel in April who filmed with him over a few days after hearing about his unique talents and life story so far. The next phase of his incredible story is now just about to begin!
credit: TIG Media
credit: TIG Media
Tameru now also awaits official confirmation from the world record authorities on whether his latest stunt will be featured in the record books.
You may also like to watch our intro with Tameru when we first met him in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia:
All Media enquiries by
PHOTO / VIDEO CREDIT: TIG media
Special Thanks to Matthias Ilnicki in Berlin and Melli Kirchberger in Furth, Germany. And special mention to Nico Demus, now based in Liberia.
