An Ethiopian runner who brought the world's attention to a wave of protests in Ethiopia at the Rio Olympics has been rewarded by his government. Feyisa Lilesa, who received $17,000 (£13,000), said his struggle had paid off given new freedoms in Ethiopia. The athlete had held up his crossed wrists as if they were shackled as he took marathon silver in 2016 in protest at the treatment of demonstrators. He had remained in exile for two years, saying his life might be in danger.
But sweeping reforms implemented by Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy, who came to office a year ago, encouraged Feyisa to return home last October. Mass demonstrations by members of the Oromo community - Ethiopia's largest ethnic group - had precipitated the resignation of his predecessor.
''I'm very happy, not because of the prize money. I'm happy because I'm witnessing my struggle being fruitful in the country,'' Feyisa told the BBC Afaan Oromoo after the ceremony.
He joined Mr Abiy and President Sahilework Zewude in doing a gesture showing that his hands were now unshackled.
Feyisa became the first Ethiopian to finish in the top two of a men's Olympics marathon since 2000, taking silver behind Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge.
After his political protest, Ethiopian officials denied he was in danger, saying he would be welcomed home from Rio as a hero.
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