On January 6, 2011, he ran the 34th Tiberius Marathon in Israel in a time of 2:21:33, coming in second of all Israelis and 18th of all runners.[10] In February 2011, he ran a half marathon in Ein Gedi, Israel, in a personal best time of 1:06:19.[2]
In April 2011, he ran the Amsterdam Marathon in a personal record time of 2:14:28, coming in 10th.[2][11][12] In doing so, he qualified to represent Israel at the 2012 Summer Olympics.[13] Asked for his reaction, he said: "it is the happiest moment in my life." His time was 7 seconds short of Israel's national record time in the marathon, which was set by Ayale Setegne.[10]
Zimro was named Athlete of the Year in 2011 by the Israel Athletics Association.[14]
2012
In January 2012, he won the Israeli championships, while finishing 15th in the Tiberias Marathon in 2:15:06.[15]
He was the only Israeli distance runner in the 2012 Summer Olympics. He described himself as "an ardent Zionist who is extremely proud and honoured to represent Israel", and said "To make aliyah as a child from Ethiopia and to end up representing Israel in the Olympics is the closing of a circle – a Cinderella story."[16] He finished 80th in the marathon at the 2012 Summer Olympics,[17][18]
Philanthropy
In 2008, he established a non-profit organization with elite long-distance runners, called Running From The Heart. The founders are helping children and youth from diverse backgrounds to deal with problems and accomplish their goals in life through running.
Every week in all weather conditions, the children are educating by running, and learn how to break their limits in order to succeed.
Israel
