Sifan Hassan was eager to complete her attempt at the Paris Olympics, filled with questions and a daring plan. The 31-year-old runner was inspired by Emil Zátopek, the only athlete in Olympic history to medal in the three longest races: the 5000m, 10,000m, and marathon. With this precedent in mind, Hassan decided to test her strength by participating in all three events over a span of nine days.
After securing bronze in the first two races, the anticipation for the women’s marathon on Sunday was daunting, leaving Hassan feeling anxious. “To finish the marathon is a kind of hell,” she admitted. Despite her concerns, she achieved an extraordinary victory, completing the race in an Olympic record time of 2:22.55 and earning gold.
Following her win, Hassan expressed overwhelming emotions and revealed her focus during the race. “I was never more focused in my life, until that moment,” she shared, acknowledging her intense concentration throughout the marathon.
The dramatic finale saw Hassan and world record holder Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia leading as they approached the finish line. With Assefa initially leading, Hassan demonstrated her renowned finishing prowess with a bold move that allowed her to push past and take the lead in the final stretch.
Crossing the finish line, Hassan celebrated with a triumphant gesture, marking her name in Olympic history. In total, she left Paris with three medals: gold in the marathon, bronze in the 5,000m, and bronze in the 10,000m, making her the first athlete to earn Olympic medals across these four distance events.
Competing against formidable opponents, including Assefa who claimed silver, and Hellen Obiri of Kenya who took bronze, Hassan’s achievement was remarkable. Her marathon victory came just shy of the previous Olympic record, showcasing her extraordinary talent.
Despite not being a seasoned marathon runner, Hassan debuted with a win at the 2023 London Marathon. With the Paris route posing significant challenges due to its elevation, Hassan’s performance was even more commendable.
Reflecting on her journey from a refugee in the Netherlands to an Olympic champion, Hassan’s story resonates with many, showcasing her tenacity and determination to excel in her sport.