Miruts Yifter was born in 1938 in a region of Northern Ethiopia called the Tigray Region. He spent his childhood days working in various factories and as a carriage driver in his immediate local area.

Miruts wasn't just a talented long-distance runner but he was remarkable. Few runners would ever come close in comparison. He had the ability to win races with his spring-apart leap trademark that allowed him to gain quick leads over other runners in the last 200 meters or so of the races he ran.

Miruts Yifter began his athletic career with the Air Force. He was allowed to run with them because the coach was impressed with what he saw and allowed Yifter to practice with the Air Force athletes.

With undeniable energy and the love of running, his speed and will earned him the nickname of "Miruts the Shifter" and he wore the name with pride. He won 221 of the 252 races that he ran. He earned Ethiopia the coveted two gold medals in the Moscow 1980 Olympics and he was able to gain recognition as an athlete to be reckoned with on the track.

Miruts Yifter was later awarded the "Golden Shoe" by the World Sport Journalist Association. Miruts is a Captain in the Air Force and is married with seven children.