Sifan Hassan had a simple goal for the Paris Olympics: just finish the marathon. “It’s my crazy thing,” she admitted, expressing curiosity about whether she could even complete it, and how she might fare against her competition.
Hassan, 31, has been pondering her ambitious plans all week. In Olympic history, only Emil Zátopek of Czechia has claimed medals in the three longest events: the 5000m, 10,000m, and marathon. A self-proclaimed Zátopek enthusiast, Hassan decided to emulate his feats by entering all three races in a span of nine days.
After securing bronze in the first two events, the women’s marathon awaited her, eliciting a mix of nervousness and excitement. “To finish the marathon is a kind of hell,” she revealed prior to the race.
Against all odds, Hassan not only finished but emerged victorious. With an Olympic record of 2:22:55, she claimed gold in the marathon, completing her ambitious plan and leaving Paris with three medals in total, marking a historic achievement.
“I have so many emotions,” Hassan stated shortly after crossing the finish line. “I was terrified for this race. I had never been so focused in my life for two straight hours.”
The final stretch of the marathon brought a breathtaking moment as Hassan battled Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia for the lead. With just 150 meters remaining, Hassan showcased her renowned finishing skills, maneuvering past Assefa at a crucial moment to secure the lead.
“At the end, I thought, ‘This is just a 100-meter sprint,’” Hassan reflected on that decisive phase. She sprinted alone towards the finish line, where she joyously pointed to the sky, celebrating her Olympic triumph.
In Paris, Hassan’s achievements include marathon gold, along with bronzes in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Her medal collection expands upon her success in Tokyo, where she secured golds in the 5,000m and 10,000m, and a bronze in the 1,500m. With this, she becomes the first athlete to earn Olympic medals across these four race distances.
“I feel like I am dreaming,” she expressed. “Winning the marathon is extraordinary; every single step is a challenge over 42 kilometers in more than two hours and 20 minutes.”
Hassan’s record-breaking time narrowly surpassed the previous Olympic record of 2:23:07, set by Ethiopia’s Tiki Gelana in 2012. Assefa claimed silver with a time of 2:22:58, marking her first Olympic medal, while Hellen Obiri of Kenya secured bronze at 2:23:10.
American runners Dakotah Lindwurm and Emily Sisson finished 12th and 23rd, respectively, while Fiona O’Keeffe withdrew early from the race. The marathon served as a fitting grand finale for the Paris Olympics, showcasing Hassan’s extraordinary journey and achievements in athletics.
Hassan, who only began competing in marathons professionally last April by winning the London Marathon while fasting for Ramadan, highlighted her commitment to finishing as a key goal. The course in Paris posed significant challenges with over 1,430 feet of elevation and steep climbs, yet Hassan’s perseverance led her to remarkable historical success.
As a refugee from Ethiopia, Hassan’s journey has been inspirational. Arriving in the Netherlands at age 15, she faced considerable loneliness but has since transformed her challenges into athletic excellence, becoming a symbol of resilience and achievement in sports.