Dibaba the Destroyer 11" x 14"

Dibaba the Destroyer 11" x 14" water color and mixed media

Dibaba after her win in Eugene

Tirunesh Dibaba is an Ethiopian Distance running star. She is double Olympic Champion in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meter run. In addition she is a 4 time world champion and world record holder in the indoor and outdoor 5,000 meters. Off the track Dibaba is also extremely successful at cross country, winning five world championship titles.  She has had her battles with injuries, once after the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and a 16 month  period before the 2012 year.
Although she missed all of 2011 due to injury this year the "Baby Faced Destroyer" is looking in great form. She won the Prefontaine Classic 10,000 meters in a world leading time. The next week she won the 5000 meters in New York with a impressive kick over the last three laps (66 seconds, 64, seconds and a 61 second lap). The 2012 Olympics are looking very good for Dibaba.
I started the piece working with water colors and pen. After working on her face, I started working with colored pencils and oil pastels to give the piece a softer feel. This is a piece that I started before watching Dibaba run in Eugene. With the Olympics around the corner, I look forward to capturing more athletes on canvas and on paper.

Watch Dibaba Run in Slow Motion Below - she is moving